BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a preventable cause of developmental delay and growth failure. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the clinical features of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and the role of the general practitioner in prevention and management. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis of and intervention for problems associated with FAS reduce adverse long term outcomes. Most health professionals have limited knowledge of FASD and lack confidence in the diagnosis and management of children with FASD. General practitioners have an important role in identifying women and children at risk of harm from alcohol and arranging referral for assessment and management when necessary. Educational materials for health professionals are currently under development.
BACKGROUND:Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a preventable cause of developmental delay and growth failure. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the clinical features of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and the role of the general practitioner in prevention and management. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis of and intervention for problems associated with FAS reduce adverse long term outcomes. Most health professionals have limited knowledge of FASD and lack confidence in the diagnosis and management of children with FASD. General practitioners have an important role in identifying women and children at risk of harm from alcohol and arranging referral for assessment and management when necessary. Educational materials for health professionals are currently under development.
Authors: Tatjana Lazic; Fatoumata B Sow; Albert Van Geelen; David K Meyerholz; Jack M Gallup; Mark R Ackermann Journal: Alcohol Date: 2010-12-15 Impact factor: 2.405
Authors: Elizabeth Peadon; Janet Payne; Nadine Henley; Heather D'Antoine; Anne Bartu; Colleen O'Leary; Carol Bower; Elizabeth J Elliott Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-07-22 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Heather M Jones; Anne McKenzie; Sue Miers; Elizabeth Russell; Rochelle E Watkins; Janet M Payne; Lorian Hayes; Maureen Carter; Heather D'Antoine; Jane Latimer; Amanda Wilkins; Raewyn C Mutch; Lucinda Burns; James P Fitzpatrick; Jane Halliday; Colleen M O'Leary; Elizabeth Peadon; Elizabeth J Elliott; Carol Bower Journal: Health Res Policy Syst Date: 2013-07-30