Diagnosis Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Influence of childhood trauma and traumatic stress on a woman's risk of having a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Maternal risk factors for having a child diagnosed on the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) continuum are complex and include not only the quantity, frequency, and timing of alcohol use but also a woman's physical stature, socio-economic status, and pregnancy-related factors. Exposure to trauma may predispose women to a range of physiological and mental disorders. A woman's mental and physical health may in turn influence her probability of having a child with FASD. This study investigated the role of maternal childhood trauma and lifetime traumatic stress on prenatal alcohol consumption and on the risk of having a child with FASD. A nested, case-control study was conducted for maternal risk assessment. Study participants were mothers of first-grade learners from five rural communities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa who were assessed for FASD. Face-to-face surveys were conducted, which included mental health and trauma assessment questionnaires. In logistic regression analyses, higher maternal childhood trauma scores were associated with an increased likelihood of having a child diagnosed with FASD, although the increase in risk was modest (OR = 1.014, p = 0.015). In addition, structural equation modeling investigated relationships between maternal drinking, childhood trauma, traumatic stress, and a child's FASD diagnosis. Traumatic stress and drinking during pregnancy, but not lifetime alcohol use, were associated with maternal childhood trauma. Lifetime alcohol use influenced drinking during pregnancy, which in turn was significantly associated with having a child diagnosed on the continuum of FASD. No direct influence of maternal childhood trauma on FASD diagnosis could be demonstrated. However, maternal trauma may indirectly contribute to the risk of having a child diagnosed with FASD.

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) associated with a range of effects, including dysmorphic features, prenatal and/or postnatal growth problems, and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite advances in treatment methods, there are still gaps in knowledge that highlight the need for further research. The study investigates the effect of PAE on the autonomic system, including sex differences that may aid in early FASD diagnosis, which is essential for effective interventions. During gestational days 5 to 20, five pregnant female Wistar rats were orally administered either glucose or ethanol. After 22 days, 26 offspring were born and kept with their mothers for 21 days before being isolated. Electrocardiographic recordings were taken on the 29th and 64th day. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were collected, including heart rate (HR), standard deviation (SD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD). Additionally, a biochemical analysis of basic serum parameters was performed on day 68 of the study. The study found that PAE had a significant impact on HRV. While electrolyte homeostasis remained mostly unaffected, sex differences were observed across various parameters in both control and PAE groups, highlighting the sex-specific effects of PAE. Specifically, the PAE group had lower mean heart rates, particularly among females, and higher SDNN and RMSSD values. Additionally, there was a shift towards parasympathetic activity and a reduction in heart rate entropy in the PAE group. Biochemical changes induced by PAE were also observed, including elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), especially in males, increased creatinine concentration in females, and alterations in lipid metabolism. PAE negatively affects the development of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in decreased heart rate and altered sympathetic activity. PAE also induces cardiovascular abnormalities with sex-specific effects, highlighting a relationship between PAE consequences and sex. Elevated liver enzymes in the PAE group may indicate direct toxic effects, while increased creatinine levels, particularly in females, may suggest an influence on nephrogenesis and vascular function. The reduced potassium content may be linked to hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity.

Reduced Interhemispheric Coherence and Cognition in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)-A Quantitative EEG Study.

Magnetic resonance imaging in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) children showed altered connectivity, suggesting underlying deficits in networks, which may be related to cognitive outcome. Functional connectivity has been of interest in neurophysiological research with quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) as useful tool for measuring pathology, not detectable by normal EEG. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the EEG interhemispheric coherence (ICoh) in children diagnosed with FASD compared with healthy controls and to relate the results to cognitive scores. Analysis of ICoh in 81 FASD children (4-Digit Code) compared with 31 controls. The children underwent cognitive assessment, and EEG was performed and used for analysis. Group comparisons and analysis of covariance interaction models were used to test for differences between FASD and controls but also to look for differences between FASD subgroups. Significant findings were correlated to cognitive scores. Lower ICoh was found in the frontal and temporal derivations in the FASD group. When comparing FASD subgroups, children with fetal alcohol syndrome had lower ICoh occipital. Reduced ICoh in the temporal alpha band was correlated with lower performance IQ in the FASD group. Our findings could imply hypoconnectivity between the hemispheres with impact on cognition. We suggest that EEG coherence analysis could be a sensitive parameter in the detection of electrophysiological abnormalities in FASD with possible clinical relevance. These results may indicate that QEEG could be used as biomarker for FASD. However, further research is needed to determine the role of QEEG analysis in the diagnosis of FASD.

Machine learning approaches to the identification of children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure: A narrative review.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) affect at least 0.8% of the population globally. The diagnosis of FASD is uniquely complex, with a heterogeneous physical and neurobehavioral presentation that requires multidisciplinary expertise for diagnosis. Many researchers have begun to incorporate machine learning approaches into FASD research to identify children who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, including those with FASD. This narrative review highlights these efforts. Following an introduction to machine learning, we summarize examples from the literature of neurobehavioral screening tools and physiologic markers of exposure. We discuss individual efforts, including models that classify FASD based on parent-reported neurocognitive or behavioral questionnaires, 3D facial imaging, brain imaging, DNA methylation patterns, microRNA profiles, cardiac orienting response, and dysmorphic facial features. We highlight model performance and discuss the limitations of these approaches. We conclude by considering the scalability of these approaches and how these machine learning models, largely developed from clinical samples or highly exposed birth cohorts, may perform in the general population.

Racial and ethnic disparities in psychological care for individuals with FASD: a dis/ability studies and critical race theory perspective toward improving prevention, assessment/diagnosis, and intervention.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and substantially impact public health. FASD can affect people of all races and ethnicities; however, there are important racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-exposed pregnancy prevention, assessment and diagnosis of FASD, and interventions to support individuals with FASD and their families. In this article we use the Dis/Ability Studies and Critical Race Theory (Dis/Crit) framework to structure the exploration of disparities and possible solutions within these three areas (prevention, diagnosis, intervention). Dis/Crit provides a guide to understanding the intersection of dis/ability and race, while framing both as social constructs. Following the Dis/Crit framework, the systemic, historical, and contemporary racism and ableism present in psychological care is further discussed. We aim to elucidate these racial and ethnic disparities within the fields of psychology and neuropsychology through the Dis/Crit framework and provide potential points of action to reduce these disparities.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Inadequacy of Care: Importance of Raising Awareness in Clinical Practice.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the major avoidable causes of developmental disruption and health abnormalities in children. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), a significant consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure, have gained more attention recently. This review aims to provide a narrative approach to the scientific literature on the history, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of FASDs. A literature search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar online databases was conducted. The dates of publications ranged from 2000 to 2023. FASD presentations tend to persist into adulthood, which, combined with environmental factors, potentially lead to secondary psychosocial problems and disabilities. This review covers different aspects of FASDs regarding the concept of the umbrella term and public health, somatic, and psychiatric perspectives. FASD management remains an obstacle to health professionals, and mental health problems are underestimated. Its management involves a multi-disciplinary team, which varies according to the patient's individual needs. FASD diagnosis and management have not been sufficiently established and tailored. Stigma, cultural contexts, knowledge gaps, and the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations are significant barriers to an accurate diagnostic process. Further development of early interventions and the elaboration of complex treatment approaches are needed.

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (ECHO FASD): Tele-mentoring program to increase healthcare capacity for FASD diagnosis.

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) often experience delayed, missed, or incorrect diagnosis due to low FASD awareness and diagnostic capacity. Current strategies to expand awareness and diagnostic capacity are insufficient or impractical. This project examined the feasibility of Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) tele-mentoring to train community clinicians about FASD. Participants attended ten 1-h weekly ECHO sessions that included presentations, vignettes, and discussions. Measurement utilized Bowen's feasibility domains. Robust webpage traffic yielded 19 participants (demand). Fidelity scores, hub team field notes, and participant ratings indicated feasibility based on acceptability, implementation, practicality, and adaptation. Clinicians' knowledge and confidence improved and case-based diagnostic accuracy was high (limited efficacy). ECHO FASD is a feasible training method that shows promise in increasing diagnostic capacity across many geographic regions.

Secondary physical features in children with FASD

ObjectiveThe diagnoses included within the umbrella term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), are based on the documentation of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), growth deficits and a pattern of dysmorphic physical features and neurobehavioral impairments. Although 3 key facial features (short palpebral fissures, a smooth philtrum and a thin vermilion of the upper lip) are the only dysmorphic features taken into account for the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or partial FAS (pFAS), several other features are commonly seen in individuals with these diagnoses. The goals of our study were to determine if some of these secondary physical features also occur more frequently in children with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) relative to controls, and if a cluster of these features combined in a dysmorphology score could be used to identify those negatively impacted by PAE but who do not have the cardinal physical features that led to a diagnosis of FAS or pFAS. MethodsAmong 2681 children recruited for the Collaboration on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevalence (CoFASP) study, 1726 had an FASD or sufficient evidence of PAE having occurred or not in their pregnancy. Children were then categorized into groups using the modified Hoyme diagnostic criteria (FAS (n = 24), pFAS (n = 99) and ARND (n = 87), and No FASD (n = 1516), including those with No FASD and a history of PAE (No FASD/PAE, n = 498) and those with No FASD and no history of PAE (No FASD/No PAE, n = 1018). The frequencies of 26 secondary dysmorphic features were compared among these groups, both individually and combined in non-weighted and weighted dysmorphic scores. Correlations of the total dysmorphic scores with an index of overall cognitive ability were also compared by group status. ResultsSeveral of these features were significantly more frequent in children with FAS than in those with No FASD diagnosis with or without PAE but not in comparison to those with ARND. The number of features was also significantly higher in the FAS group as compared to all other groups for both weighted and unweighted dysmorphology scores but were not higher in the group with ARND when compared to the groups with No FASD either in the presence or absence of PAE. Although not diagnostic, higher total dysmorphology scores were predictive of lower general cognitive abilities in the group with ARND, suggesting severity of alcohol-related dysmorphology is predictive of severity of alcohol-related neurobehavioral impairment. ConclusionSecondary physical features were not more frequent in children with ARND compared to children without an FASD diagnosis but were a marker for lower cognitive function. The use of secondary physical features to support a diagnosis of ARND was not supported in this sample.

Transitions into adulthood for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review of promising practices

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a leading known cause of developmental disabilities in Canada. Youth with FASD often experience challenges while transitioning to the expectations of adulthood. Research has demonstrated that appropriate supports in the transition to adulthood and throughout the lifespan may help mitigate these challenges. Literature that examined strategies, programs, and/or supports for youth with FASD entering adulthood was the focus of this inquiry.To better understand the scope and recommendations of strategies, programs, and supports for youth with FASD who are transitioning to adulthood, this scoping review examined peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2005 to 2020 to answer the following questions: (1) What is the scope of existing strategies, programs, and supports for youth with FASD who are transitioning to adulthood?; (2) What recommendations are provided from existing strategies, programs, and supports assisting youth with FASD as they transition to the expectations of adulthood?The scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Findings from the review are reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the PRISMA extension for searching (PRISMA-S).Twenty-one peer-reviewed sources were included in the final review. Studies largely focused on one of three areas: (1) programs supporting youth with FASD and their families, (2) lived experiences of individuals with FASD during the transition to adulthood, or (3) preventing adverse outcomes. Recommendations from included studies highlighted the importance of programs and supports that demonstrate an understanding of FASD and emphasize relationship-building, the benefits of obtaining an FASD diagnosis, the notable gap in services for individuals who have transitioned to adulthood, and the importance of consistent advocates in the lives of youth with FASD.Implications for educators, employers, service providers, and caregivers who support youth with FASD are discussed.

Increased incidence of renal and urinary tract anomalies among individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in a spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Animal models have confirmed the toxic effects of PAE on the kidneys and urinary tract, yet the evidence from human studies is contradictory. The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of renal and urinary tract anomalies (RUTA), impaired kidney function, and hypertension among patients with FASD. Children from the FASD Diagnostic Center with FASD diagnosis (FAS, pFAS, or ARND) were offered participation in the study. The control group consisted of patients from the Gastroenterology Department of the same hospital. The patients underwent renal and urinary tract ultrasound examination. The serum creatinine level was also evaluated and the blood pressure was taken twice. Polish OLAF charts were used to determine the percentiles of blood pressure. The incidence of kidney and urinary tract defects in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (OR: 2.64 [1.60-4.34]). The kidney size among FASD patients was significantly lower (73 mm [60-83] vs. 83 mm [70-96]; p < .001) when compared to the control group. No differences were observed in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. In the study group, significantly lower systolic blood, diastolic blood pressure, percentile of systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure were observed. RUTA occurred more frequently among patients with FASD compared to the control group, and decreased kidney size was also demonstrated among patients with FASD. However, impaired kidney function and the risk of hypertension were not observed.

Examining the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on performance of the sustained attention to response task in children with an FASD.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), the leading known cause of childhood developmental disability, has long-lasting effects extending throughout the lifespan. It is well documented that children prenatally exposed to alcohol have difficulties inhibiting behavior and sustaining attention. Thus, the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), a Go/No-go paradigm, is especially well suited to assess the behavioral and neural functioning characteristics of children with PAE. In this study, we utilized neuropsychological assessment, parent/guardian questionnaires, and magnetoencephalography during SART random and fixed orders to assess characteristics of children 8-12 years old prenatally exposed to alcohol compared to typically developing children. Compared to neurotypical control children, children with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnosis had significantly decreased performance on neuropsychological measures, had deficiencies in task-based performance, were rated as having increased Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behaviors and as having lower cognitive functioning by their caretakers, and had decreased peak amplitudes in Broadmann's Area 44 (BA44) during SART. Further, MEG peak amplitude in BA44 was found to be significantly associated with neuropsychological test results, parent/guardian questionnaires, and task-based performance such that decreased amplitude was associated with poorer performance. In exploratory analyses, we also found significant correlations between total cortical volume and MEG peak amplitude indicating that the reduced amplitude is likely related in part to reduced overall brain volume often reported in children with PAE. These findings show that children 8-12 years old with an FASD diagnosis have decreased amplitudes in BA44 during SART random order, and that these deficits are associated with multiple behavioral measures.

Maternal and paternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Alcohol and other drug use as proximal influences.

To explore and analyze the significance of proximal influences of maternal and paternal traits associated with bearing a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Aggregated, maternal interview-collected data (N = 2515) concerning alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use were examined to determine risk for FASD from seven cross-sectional samples of mothers of first-grade students who were evaluated for a possible diagnosis of FASD. Mothers of children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) reported the highest alcohol use throughout pregnancy, proportion of binge drinking, drinks per drinking day (DDD), drinking days per week, and total drinks per week. Mothers of children with FAS also consumed significantly more alcohol than mothers of children with partial FAS (PFAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), or typically developing controls. Mothers of children with PFAS and ARND reported similar drinking patterns, which exposed fetuses to 3-4 times more alcohol than mothers of controls, but the PFAS group was more likely than the ARND group to abstain in latter trimesters. Fathers of all children were predominantly drinkers (70%-85%), but more fathers of children with FASD binged heavily on more days than fathers of controls. Compared to the few mothers of controls who used alcohol during pregnancy, the ARND group binge drank more (3+ DDD) throughout pregnancy and drank more DDD before pregnancy and first trimester. Regression analysis, controlling for tobacco use, indicated that mothers who reported drinking <1 DDD were significantly more likely than abstainers to bear a child with FASD (OR = 2.75) as were those reporting higher levels such as 5-5.9 DDD (OR = 32.99). Exclusive, first-trimester maternal drinking increased risk for FASD five times over that of abstinence (p < 0.001, OR = 5.05, 95% CI: 3.88-6.58), first- and second-trimester drinking by 12.4 times, and drinking all trimesters by 16 times (p < 0.001, OR = 15.69, 95% CI: 11.92-20.64). Paternal drinking during and prior to pregnancy, without adjustment, increased the likelihood of FASD significantly (OR = 1.06 and 1.11, respectively), but the significance of both relationships disappeared when maternal alcohol and tobacco use were controlled. Differences in FASD risk emerged from the examination of multiple proximal variables of maternal alcohol and tobacco use, reflecting increased FASD risk at greater levels of maternal alcohol consumption.

‘Now what?’: An examination of ongoing gaps post-diagnosis for justice-involved youth with FASD

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the lifelong neurodevelopmental impacts resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Recent prevalence indicates it is a leading cause of developmental disability in Canada. Researchers have illustrated that the criminal justice system (CJS) is a common landing point for individuals with FASD, and entry commonly occurs during adolescence. Scholars have contributed to early intervention implementation or identifying FASD markers in adolescence to deter criminal behaviour; however, resources and information for individuals with current or historical CJS involvement require further attention. In this paper, we analyze newer research on the links between FASD and the CJS, discuss considerations from developmental perspectives and analyze salient issues involving youth with FASD. Three Canadian legal decisions involving justice-involved youth with FASD are drawn upon to mobilize three areas requiring further theorization and action regarding CJS responses to FASD. Using developmental perspectives, we centre the impacts of CJS on justice-involved youth with FASD and discuss possible resulting implications. We aim to highlight areas for further consideration when working with justice-involved youth with FASD, namely, gaps in early assessment and implementation of supports, needs to increase parent and caregiver capacity to maintain residential stability, and efforts to support desistance from crime in the context of an FASD diagnosis.

Factors to be considered as part of a holistic assessment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review.

We undertook a scoping review to identify the factors outside of current fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic criteria to be considered as part of a holistic assessment process. This included physical, social, cultural, mental health and wellbeing factors to inform targeted recommendations and supports to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. Evidence from this review will be used to inform the revision of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD. Six electronic databases were searched. Studies were eligible if they included factors outside of the diagnostic criteria that cover dysmorphology, growth restriction, neurodevelopmental impairments. Data charting and content analysis were performed to synthesize the results. One hundred twenty-one studies were included that spanned 12 key areas These included physical health, sleep, adverse postnatal experiences, substance use/other risk-taking behaviors, contact with the criminal justice system, mental health, First Nations cultural considerations, transition to adult roles, involvement with the out-of-home care system, feeding and eating, strengths/interests/external resources and incontinence. Areas to be considered as part of a holistic assessment and diagnostic process spanned individual, family, and system level factors. Results provide guidance for clinicians on the wide range of factors that could influence long-term health, development, and wellbeing for individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. In practice, this guidance can be used to inform an individualized assessment process to facilitate tailored recommendations and supports to best meet the complex needs of individuals living with FASD and their families.

Effects of In Utero EtOH Exposure on 18S Ribosomal RNA Processing: Contribution to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability. The mechanisms by which alcohol (EtOH) disrupts fetal brain development are incompletely understood, as are the genetic factors that modify individual vulnerability. Because the phenotype abnormalities of FASD are so varied and widespread, we investigated whether fetal exposure to EtOH disrupts ribosome biogenesis and the processing of pre-ribosomal RNAs and ribosome assembly, by determining the effect of exposure to EtOH on the developmental expression of 18S rRNA and its cleaved forms, members of a novel class of short non-coding RNAs (srRNAs). In vitro neuronal cultures and fetal brains (11-22 weeks) were collected according to an IRB-approved protocol. Twenty EtOH-exposed brains from the first and second trimester were compared with ten unexposed controls matched for gestational age and fetal gender. Twenty fetal-brain-derived exosomes (FB-Es) were isolated from matching maternal blood. RNA was isolated using Qiagen RNA isolation kits. Fetal brain srRNA expression was quantified by ddPCR. srRNAs were expressed in the human brain and FB-Es during fetal development. EtOH exposure slightly decreased srRNA expression (1.1-fold; p = 0.03). Addition of srRNAs to in vitro neuronal cultures inhibited EtOH-induced caspase-3 activation (1.6-fold, p = 0.002) and increased cell survival (4.7%, p = 0.034). The addition of exogenous srRNAs reversed the EtOH-mediated downregulation of srRNAs (2-fold, p = 0.002). EtOH exposure suppressed expression of srRNAs in the developing brain, increased activity of caspase-3, and inhibited neuronal survival. Exogenous srRNAs reversed this effect, possibly by stabilizing endogenous srRNAs, or by increasing the association of cellular proteins with srRNAs, modifying gene transcription. Finally, the reduction in 18S rRNA levels correlated closely with the reduction in fetal eye diameter, an anatomical hallmark of FASD. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for EtOH-mediated neurotoxicity via alterations in 18S rRNA processing and the use of FB-Es for early diagnosis of FASD. Ribosome biogenesis may be a novel target to ameliorate FASD in utero or after birth. These findings are consistent with observations that gene-environment interactions contribute to FASD vulnerability.

Diagnostic Accuracy and economic value of a Tiered Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (DATAforFASD): Protocol

IntroductionAustralian practices for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are lengthy and require specialist expertise. Specialist teams are based in urban locations; they are expensive and have prolonged waitlists. Innovative,...

An evaluation of a multi-site fetal alcohol spectrum disorder models of care project.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) continues to be underdiagnosed in Australia, partly due to the lack of trained clinicians and diagnostic services. This project aimed to help increase FASD knowledge and diagnostic capacity across Australia. Six sites across Australia formed part of a national consortium, delivering training clinics, diagnostic clinics and community education sessions. The number of FASD diagnoses significantly increased across the project. Additionally, the number of community education sessions steadily increased across the project, with largely positive feedback. Participants attending the training clinics demonstrated increased knowledge of and confidence in FASD diagnosis. This evaluation showcases the benefits of a coordinated approach to prevention, assessment, diagnosis and training in FASD.

Vision outcomes in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Previous studies demonstrated that children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are more likely to have vision impairments. However, existing human clinical and epidemiological investigations are few and include limited sample sizes. This study aimed to explore the association between ophthalmologic abnormalities and FASD in a sample of 5-7 year old children in the general population. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a larger study intended to estimate the prevalence of FASD in San Diego, California, conducted between 2012 and 2014. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, dysmorphology examinations, and a neurobehavioral testing battery were collected for each child and an FASD diagnosis was assigned. Parents of participating children were asked to release their child's vision screening or diagnostic records. Vision records were obtained for 424 participants in the larger prevalence study. Of these, 53 children were classified as having FASD. A statistically significant association was found between FASD and a diagnosis of strabismus; 5/42 (11.9%) of children who were classified as having FASD had strabismus compared to 6/290 (2.1%) of children who were not classified as having FASD (p = .01). All five cases of strabismus in the FASD group occurred in 19 children classified as having partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS). No association was found between FASD and vision impairment (p = .23), refractive errors (p = .66), glasses/contact lens prescription (p = .30), or having one or more ophthalmological abnormalities (p = .97). An association between strabismus and FASD, specifically partial FAS, suggests that the effect of alcohol exposure on risk of strabismus must be severe enough to result in facial features consistent with FASD. This emphasizes the importance of vision screening in children with FASD.

Enhancing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders diagnosis with a classifier based on the intracerebellar gradient of volumetric undersizing.

In fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), brain growth deficiency is a hallmark of subjects both with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and with non-syndromic FASD (NS-FASD, i.e., those without specific diagnostic features). However, although the cerebellum was suggested to be more severely undersized than the rest of the brain, it has not yet been given a specific place in the FASD diagnostic criteria where neuroanatomical features still count for little if anything in diagnostic specificity. We applied a combination of cerebellar segmentation tools on a 1.5 T 3DT1 brain MRI dataset from a monocentric population of 89 FASD (52 FAS, 37 NS-FASD) and 126 typically developing controls (6-20 years old), providing 8 volumes: cerebellum, vermis and 3 lobes (anterior, posterior, inferior), plus total brain volume. After adjustment of confounders, the allometric scaling relationship between these cerebellar volumes (Vi ) and the total brain or cerebellum volume (Vt ) was fitted (Vi = bVt a ), and the effect of group (FAS, control) on allometric scaling was evaluated. We then estimated for each cerebellar volume in the FAS population the deviation from the typical scaling (v DTS) learned in the controls. Lastly, we trained and tested two classifiers to discriminate FAS from controls, one based on the total cerebellum v DTS only, the other based on all the cerebellar v DTS, comparing their performance both in the FAS and the NS-FASD group. Allometric scaling was significantly different between FAS and control group for all the cerebellar volumes (p < .001). We confirmed the excess of total cerebellum volume deficit (v DTS = -10.6%) and revealed an antero-inferior-posterior gradient of volumetric undersizing in the hemispheres (-12.4%, 1.1%, 2.0%, respectively) and the vermis (-16.7%, -9.2%, -8.6%, repectively). The classifier based on the intracerebellar gradient of v DTS performed more efficiently than the one based on total cerebellum v DTS only (AUC = 92% vs. 82%, p = .001). Setting a high probability threshold for >95% specificity of the classifiers, the gradient-based classifier identified 35% of the NS-FASD to have a FAS cerebellar phenotype, compared to 11% with the cerebellum-only classifier (pFISHER = 0.027). In a large series of FASD, this study details the volumetric undersizing within the cerebellum at the lobar and vermian level using allometric scaling, revealing an anterior-inferior-posterior gradient of vulnerability to prenatal alcohol exposure. It also strongly suggests that this intracerebellar gradient of volumetric undersizing may be a reliable neuroanatomical signature of FAS that could be used to improve the specificity of the diagnosis of NS-FASD.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the New Zealand social and community sector: An online survey

Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder but may be underrecognized and misunderstood by people who provide health and social support services. The aim of the research is to understand the FASD knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people employed by the social and community sector in New Zealand. Methods: We conducted an online survey of people working in the New Zealand social and community sector (i.e., social workers, support workers). The survey focused on the following areas: awareness of FASD; knowledge and beliefs about FASD; the impact of FASD on professional practice; and training needs. Results: Most participants reported a basic understanding of FASD, however only 5% felt very well prepared to support someone with FASD. A large majority of participants believed that FASD diagnosis may be stigmatising for individuals or families. Conclusion: There is a need to improve training, professional development, and workplace support for social and community workers in New Zealand to support people with FASD.