Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Question 1

What are the main diagnostic approaches for FASD?

Answer 1

IOM (FAS, pFAS, ARND, ARBD), 4-Digit Code, Canadian approach (2005/2016), DSM V (NDPAE), Australian (2016), and SIGN (2019)

Question 2

Which countries have the highest prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

Answer 2

Ireland (60.4%), Belarus (46.6%), Denmark (45.8%), UK (41.3%), Russia (36.5%)⁠
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Question 3

What is the global rate of FAS per 10,000 births?

Answer 3

14.6 globally, with Europe having the highest rate at 37.4, Americas at 16.6, and Africa at 14.8

Question 4

How does alcohol affect fetal development?

Answer 4

Disrupts fetal development by affecting gene expression, neurodevelopment, and facial morphology

Question 5

What are the main effects of alcohol on brain development?

Answer 5

Affects neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and myelination, leading to delayed neural processing and reduced brain volume

Question 6

How many conditions are linked to FASD and what is the most common comorbidity?

Answer 6

428 conditions are linked to FASD, with ADHD being the most common (76.9% of cases)

Question 7

What is the estimated prevalence of FASD in the UK according to McCarthy et al. (2021)?

Answer 7

Approximately 1.8% (1.0%-3.4%) of children, based on finding four cases in a baseline of 220 children

Question 8

What is the key prevention message regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

Answer 8

No Alcohol is No Risk - this is emphasized due to individual variations in genetic vulnerability

Question 9

What do studies show about attachment in FASD?

Answer 9

Mixed findings, with most showing more insecure attachment (disorganized type), though some improvement is possible with good consistent parenting⁠