The Effects of Alcohol on the Fetus

Abstract

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is defined by a pattern of characteristics that include prenatal and postnatal growth deficiencies, short eyelid slits, abnormal jaw protrusion, altered palmar crease patterns, and joint and cardiac anomalies. The major outcome of the FAS is mental deficiency concomitant with fine motor dysfunction. This article explores recent findings on FAS, patterns of malformation, alcohol and other drugs, the toxicity of ethanol, the incidence of FAS, and implications of the syndrome.

The Effects of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy

“…The severity of facial effects of FAS children can vary considerably. It has been well documented in the literature that there is a striking resemblance of FAS children with similar facial characteristics apparent in children with no familial relationship and in children of different races (Furey, 1982;Streissguth et aI., 1980). There is also a positive correlation between increased facial involvement among FAS children and reduced IQ scores (Streissguth et el., 1980).…”

“…The distinct pattern of congenital malformations which Is collectively called fetal alcohol syndrome includes characteristics which can be classified into three basic categories: (a) Central nervous system dysfunction, (b) growth deficienCYJ and (c) distinct and recognizable facial characteristics (Furey, 1982). Central nervous system characteristics include mild to moderate mental retardation, microcephaly, Irritability, Jitterlness, and poor sucking MOHN JOURNAL response (Furey, 1982). Hyperactivity, delay in development, and perceptual-motor disturbances were reported by Streissguth, Landesman-Dwyer, Martin and Smith (1980) as central nervous system characteristics of FAS.…”

“…As with IQ, the ability to achieve normalcy after birth is apparently lacking. Despite the presence of adequate levels of growth hormones at birth, FAS children are usually born smaller and remain smaller than average for their age (Furey, 1982;Streissguth et aI., 1980). Facial characteristics in FAS children are observable from birth and include short palpebral fissures (eye slits), low nasal bridge, thin upper lip, drooping eyelids, small chin, strabismus, and a flat face with a short nose.…”

“…Organizations and institutions including the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center in Waltham, Massachusetts, have been implemented to disseminate information, assess identified FAS children, and provide counseling aimed at preventing new FAS cases (Furey, 1982). Several states, including Wisconsin, South •Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Illinois, have developed educational and service programs in order to address the issue of FAS (Streissguth et aI., 1980).…”