Severe manifestation of foetal alcohol syndrome – case report

Abstract

Foetal alcohol syndrome is a term describing the set of conditions caused by maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy. A complete evaluation includes an assessment of the three key diagnostic criteria – central nervous system damage, growth deficiency, and characteristic facial features (microcephaly, small palpebral fissures, low nasal bridge, smooth philtrum, thin upper lip). A premature one-day-old female infant with dysmorphic features, in severe general condition, was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to respiratory distress and suspected heart defect. Hypotrophy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and both ventricular and atrial septal defect were diagnosed. The authors of this paper aim to raise awareness about the lifelong and irreversible nature of foetal alcohol syndrome, which significantly impacts various aspects of a child’s life. However, it is also highlighted that foetal alcohol syndrome belongs to a small group of conditions that can be entirely prevented.