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The prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in New Zealand
1Starship Children's Health, Auckland.
Insights
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is present in New Zealand, but the estimated prevalence appears low, suggesting underdiagnosis. Improved paediatrician awareness and surveillance are crucial for identifying alcohol-related birth defects.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Paediatrics
- Teratology
Background:
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a spectrum of adverse outcomes.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a preventable condition with significant long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in New Zealand.
- To assess paediatrician surveillance practices for alcohol-related birth defects.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was distributed to paediatricians across New Zealand.
- Data collected included the number of children diagnosed with alcohol-related birth defects and current surveillance strategies.
Main Results:
- In 1993, 63 children under 10 years with FAS were identified in paediatric care.
- Diagnosis was often prompted by risk factors like maternal alcohol use or dysmorphic features.
- The estimated prevalence is likely an underestimate compared to international reports.
Conclusions:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a reality in New Zealand.
- Current surveillance methods are insufficient, leading to under-recognition of FAS and related conditions.
- Enhanced awareness of alcohol-related birth defects and risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure is urgently needed.
Aims:
To obtain an estimate of the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in New Zealand and to report information on paediatrician surveillance for alcohol related birth defects.
Methods:
New Zealand paediatricians were asked to complete a postal survey. Questions recorded the number of children with alcohol related birth defects under their care, and examined the respondents' surveillance for alcohol related birth defects.
Results:
There were 63 children under 10 years of age with fetal alcohol syndrome under paediatric care in 1993. The majority of paediatricians considered the diagnosis only when risk features were identified: the most frequent being children of high risk mothers and children with dysmorphic features.
Conclusions:
Fetal alcohol syndrome exists in New Zealand. The prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome as estimated in this study is lower than would be expected from international prevalence reports and is likely to be an underestimate. Current surveillance for alcohol related birth defects depends on an individual paediatrician considering the diagnosis only when faced with a perceived at risk infant or child, and there is likely under recognition. An increased awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and the full spectrum of alcohol related birth defects is required.