Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Assessing Teratogenic Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure
Published on: March 20, 2012
Fatal Intestinal Obstruction in a Patient With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Cassandra Maria Wygant1, Stephen D Cohle
1From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus, Grand Rapids, MI.
Insights
A child with fetal alcohol syndrome died from intestinal dilation and asphyxia. This case highlights potential causes of intestinal issues in fetal alcohol syndrome patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a spectrum of birth defects caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Intestinal complications are not commonly associated with FAS, but can occur.
- Pica, the compulsive eating of non-food items, can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old boy with a history of FAS and pica was found deceased.
- The autopsy revealed massive intestinal dilatation as the cause of death.
- The intestinal dilation led to asphyxia.
Findings:
- Massive intestinal dilatation was identified as the direct cause of death.
- The potential link between fetal alcohol syndrome and intestinal dilation is explored.
- Pathogenetic mechanisms for intestinal dilation in FAS are discussed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing potential gastrointestinal complications in children with FAS.
- Further research into the pathogenetic mechanisms of intestinal dilation in FAS is warranted.
- Early identification and management of gastrointestinal issues may improve outcomes for children with FAS.
Abstract:
We describe an 8-year-old white boy with a history of fetal alcohol syndrome and pica, who was found dead on the floor by his mother. The child died from massive intestinal dilatation causing asphyxia. We discuss the potential pathogenetic mechanisms of intestinal dilation in patients with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
02:37Oxidation of Alcohols
The process of oxidation in a chemical reaction is observed in any of the three forms:
02:29Ethers from Alcohols: Alcohol Dehydration and Williamson Ether Synthesis
Ethers can be prepared from organic compounds by various methods. Some of them are discussed below,
Preparation of Ethers by Alcohol Dehydration
In this method, in the presence of protic acids, alcohol dehydrates to produce alkenes and ethers under different conditions. For example, in the presence of sulphuric acid, dehydration of ethanol at 413 K yields ethoxyethane, whereas it yields ethene at 443 K.
02:31Protection of Alcohols
Protection
It defines a protecting group as the masking agent to make the more reactive species inert to a given set of conditions. This concept is depicted via the illustration of liquid flow through different outlets in an assembly of pipes. The analogy helps to understand the role...
01:15Small Intestine
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...