Identifying maternal self-reported alcohol use associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been estimated at 1 to 3 per 1,000 live births. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) (which include FAS) are estimated to occur in about 1 in 100 births. Cessation of drinking during pregnancy can improve the outcome even if the unborn child is already affected. For individuals born with FASD, an early diagnosis appears to be a protective factor against secondary disabilities. A quick screening tool to identify newborn children at risk has been elusive.


METHODS
A simple descriptive presentation is offered that shows where 36 individuals with FASD were found from among the many patterns and amounts of prenatal alcohol use that were reported by a sample of 1,439 pregnant women whose offspring were later examined within the first 7 years of life.


RESULTS
Individuals with FASD (i.e., those with FAS, fetal alcohol effects, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder ) were found within two aggregates of alcohol scores that together recommend a set of three to four alcohol questions. Within this derivation sample, one scoring of the questions yields almost 78% sensitivity and 97% specificity for FASD. Another scoring of the same instrument yields 100% sensitivity with 90% specificity.


CONCLUSIONS
These new data may facilitate early identification of offspring who may be most in need of early intervention, namely those born with FASD.
Barr
H M
HM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA.
Streissguth
A P
AP
D000293:Adolescent; D000375:Aging; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000431:Ethanol