Lack of recognition and complexity of foetal alcohol neuroimpairments.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain the recorded prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Norway, and evaluate the effect of a general information program to increase the recognition of FAS/FASD for health care and social workers.


METHODS
A questionnaire regarding prevalence of FAS/FASD was sent to all Norwegian paediatric and child psychiatry departments. In the region Hordaland county, an information program was carried out to educate health-care and social workers on symptoms and signs of FAS/FASD, and referral was encouraged for suspected cases. Referred children received a neuropaediatric evaluation, and the effect of the information program on recorded FAS/FASD was recorded.


RESULTS
Based on the national survey, a prevalence of 0.3 per 1000 was calculated. After the information program, the estimated prevalence in Hordaland County increased to 1.5 per 1000. In 5 years, 25 children were diagnosed with FAS and 22 with FASD. One-third of all children were mentally retarded. Microcephaly and neuroimpairments were more common among FAS children. Almost all children met the criteria of ADHD.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of FAS/FASD may be greatly underestimated because of lack of knowledge. An information program aimed at health-care and social workers is effective.
Elgen
I
I
Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway. irene.elgen@helse-bergen.no
Bruaroy
S
S
Laegreid
L M
LM
D020268:Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*