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[Epidemiological aspects of the foetal alcoholism syndrome. 45 cases (author's transl)]
Insights
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) affects 1 in 700 neonates, often seen in multiparous women with severe alcoholism. Ethanol may not be the sole cause of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Prospective study in Roubaix over 3 years.
- Identified 45 neonates with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
- 12 neonates showed severe alcoholic embryo-fetopathy.
Purpose:
- To characterize neonates with FAS.
- To investigate risk factors associated with FAS.
- To explore potential teratogenic agents beyond ethanol.
Summary:
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) identified in 45 neonates.
- Prevalence of FAS is approximately 1 in 700 neonates.
- Associated with multiparous women, low socioeconomic status, and chronic alcoholism.
- Mean maternal ethanol blood level was 1.82 g/l.
- Ethanol is suspected but not the sole teratogenic agent.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant prevalence of FAS.
- Identifies key demographic and clinical risk factors.
- Suggests a multifactorial etiology for FAS, warranting further research into other teratogens.
Abstract:
During a prospective study conducted in Roubaix, 45 neonates presenting with the craniofacial malformation characteristic of the foetal alcohol syndrome were identified over a 3-year period. Twelve had signs of severe alcoholic embryo-foetopathy. This condition, which affects one in 700 neonates, occurs in multiparous women (mean age, 33 years) of low socio-economic status suffering from long standing, complicated alcoholism. Although the mean ethanol blood level may be as high as 1.82 g/l, this substance does not seem to be the only teratogenic agent.