8: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Flashcards
What does diagnosis depend upon for newborns (5)?
- Facial features
- Suspected alcohol exposure
- Low birth weight
- Poor growth
- Microcephaly
Facial abnormalities (7).
- Small eye openings
- Nearsightedness
- Short, upturned nose
- Smooth philtrum
- Cleft palate
- Small jaw
- Low-set/poorly formed ears
When is diagnosis easier for FAS?
Between 2-11 yo when facial features are still prominent and learning disabilities emerge (ADD/ADHD). Harder as adolescent or adult when facial features are harder to distinguish.
Mothers of FAS babies may have higher peak blood levels because of what?
The enzyme that breaks down alcohol is less functional.
Skeletal deformities (6).
- Deformed ribs
- Curved spine
- Hip dislocations
- Webbed/missing fingers
- Limited joint movement
- Small head
Central nervous system deformities (6).
- Small brain
- Faulty arrangement of brain cells and connective tissue
- IDD
- Short attention span
- Impulsive behavior
- Hyperactivity
First-trimester exposure effects include _____ and _____ abnormalities.
Craniofacial and organ
Organ deformities (3).
- Heart defects/murmurs
- Kidney defects
- Urinary defects
Specific pathophysiology is unknown but may involve _____ that causes cellular damage to the developing tissues of the fetus.
Free radical formation
With alcohol consumption later in pregnancy we see _____.
Decreased fetal growth
Excessive cell death in the _____ may result in observed facial features.
Midline
T/F Absolute threshold and critical time period is suspected but not documented.
True
Most common human teratogen.
Alcohol
Characteristics of FAS (9).
- Small eye openings
- Smooth philtrum
- Thin upper lip
- Small heads
- Abnormal joints/limbs
- Poor coordination
- Learning problems
- Short memories
- Cleft palate
Growth deficiencies (3).
- Small body size/weight
- Slower-than-normal development
- Failure to catch up
In animal studies, in the 3rd trimester, increased exposure to alcohol decreases the size/weight of the _____ and the number of _____.
Brain
Neurons
What is the average IQ in FAS?
Average is 66. Range is 60s-105.
_____ exposure during pregnancy can cause more severe, consistent effects.
Early
T/F Alcohol also affects nutrition and health maintenance.
True. Mothers abusing alcohol are frequently also abusing other substances and not eating a nutritious diet.
What is probably most important with alcohol exposure?
Peak blood alcohol concentration
T/F Binge drinking is more dangerous than low, consistent consumption.
True. Can predict severe effects from binge (5 or more in 1 sitting) BUT effects of low total consumption are not known (1-2/week).
