title: Fetal alcohol syndrome: the 'American Paradox'.
abstract: Nearly all cases of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) identified in prospective epidemiological studies have been conducted in the United States of America. The very high incidence rate for FAS in the USA and the relatively low rate in other countries does not correspond to measures of alcohol consumption. By analogy with the 'French paradox', we have termed the high rate of FAS in the USA coupled with its relatively low level of alcohol consumption, the 'American paradox'.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fetal Alcohol Research Center, Wayne State University and C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Abel
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology