Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

Alcohol is a ____ that can cause variable physical and behavioural effects on the fetus. Most guidelines recommend total abstinence

Risk of congenital anomaly with alcohol is __ than normal risk.

Answer 1

Alcohol is a teratogen that can cause variable physical and behavioural effects on the fetus. Most guidelines recommend total abstinence

Risk of congenital anomaly with alcohol is doubled than normal risk.

Question 2

minimum risk pattern for FASD diagnosis in pregnancy

Answer 2

Minimum risk pattern for diagnosis:

• Binge drinking of 4 or more standard drinks on at least two occasions
• 7 or more standard drinks per week exposure can negatively impact a fetus

Question 3

maternal factors associated with alcohol consumption in pregnancy

Answer 3

previous history of etOH consumption, family background of alcohol use, inpatient treatment for alcohol or substance use, mental health problems, physical/emotional/sexual abuse, low income, limited access to health care. Previous birth of a child with FASD, lack of contraception/unplanned pregnancy.

Question 4

FASD: ___ abnormality caused by maternal ingestion of alcohol AND __ ___ system abnormalities, characteristic pattern of ___ anomalies, and ___ retardation.

Answer 4

FASD: congenital abnormality caused by maternal ingestion of alcohol AND central nervous system abnormalities, characteristic pattern of facial anomalies, and growth retardation.

Question 5

3. Describe the concept of cumulative risk and how this applies to child development

Answer 5

cumulative risk: the more stressors (long term and short term), the more the fetus is at risk for abnormalities

Cumulative risk: the more that is drank, the more the fetus is at risk for abnormalities.

• Studies show that any maltreatment, neglect, physical or sexual abuse, witness to IPDV, and multiple caregiver changes are significant risks to further problems with development in FASD populations post natally.
• Harm Reduction: spectrum of strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences linked to substance use
• Safer use → managed use → abstinence
• Meeting people where they are at
• Recognizes intersectionality of poverty.

Pregnant women should be given priority access to withdrawal management.

Question 6

Major Effects of Alcohol by Trimester of Pregnancy

Answer 6

Question 7

3 sentinel features that are required to make a diagnosis of FASD in a child

Answer 7

flat philtrum, short palpebral fissures, thin upper lip,

Question 8

Universal screening for substance use in pregnancy (TWEAK OR TACE)

Answer 8

• e.g. TWEAK (Tolerance; Worry; Eye-Opener; Amnesia; Cut-Down)
• e.g. T-ACE (Tolerance; Annoyed; Cut-Down-Eye-Opener)
• Women at risk for heavy alcohol use should receive early intervention

Question 9

to diagnose FASD in a kid, all of these symptoms must be pesent in a child with prenatal alcohol exposure:

Answer 9

• Growth restriction: low birth weight, decelerating weight over time
• Characteristic craniofacial abnormalities: short palpebral fissures, flattened philtrum, thin upper lip
• Evidence for pervasive brain dysfunction: dysfunction of 3+ of motor skills, language, academic
achievement, memory, attention, executive function, adaptative behaviour, social skills

Question 10

T/F: Health care providers should not advise women with low-level consumption in early pregnancy that they must terminate.

Answer 10

TRUE