Diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): fatty acid ethyl esters and neonatal hair analysis.
Measuring levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in hair has been recently shown to discriminate between adult heavy and non-drinkers. Here, we review the potential of neonatal FAEE measurement in detecting infants exposed to alcohol in utero by outlining current progress in the development of a neonatal hair test for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Developing a reproducible, accurate and predictable hair test for FAEE measurements in neonatal hair may prove to be a powerful tool in the detection of in utero alcohol exposure which is needed for the diagnosis of FASD. Such a neonatal hair test can revolutionize current FASD diagnostic methodology by providing early diagnosis, allowing intervention and treatment at stages where the adverse effects of alcohol can still be mitigated.
Caprara
Daniela L
DL
Division of Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology and Motherisk Program,The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Klein
Julia
J
Koren
Gideon
G
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D004952:Esters / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008470:Meconium / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy
D015415:Biomarkers; D004952:Esters; D005227:Fatty Acids