Ju Lee Oei1,2,3. 1. School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia. 2. Department of Newborn Care, the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia. 3. Drug and Alcohol Services, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
AIMS: To review the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the outcomes of the mother and child. DESIGN: Narrative review. SETTING: Review of literature. PARTICIPANTS: Mothers and infants affected by prenatal alcohol use. MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes of mothers and children. FINDINGS: Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the most important causes of preventable cognitive impairment in the world. The developing neurological system is exquisitely sensitive to harm from alcohol and there is now also substantial evidence that alcohol-related harm can extend beyond the individual person, leading to epigenetic changes and intergenerational vulnerability and disadvantage. There is no known safe level or timing of drinking for pregnant or lactating women and binge drinking (> four drinks within 2 hours for women) is the most harmful. Alcohol-exposure increases the risk of congenital problems, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its most severe form, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). CONCLUSION: The impact of FASD and FAS is enduring and life-long with no current treatment or cure. Emerging therapeutic options may mitigate the worst impact of alcohol exposure but significant knowledge gaps remain. This review discusses the history, epidemiology and clinical presentations of prenatal alcohol exposure, focusing on FASD and FAS, and the impact of evidence on future research, practice and policy directions.
AIMS: To review the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the outcomes of the mother and child. DESIGN: Narrative review. SETTING: Review of literature. PARTICIPANTS: Mothers and infants affected by prenatal alcohol use. MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes of mothers and children. FINDINGS: Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the most important causes of preventable cognitive impairment in the world. The developing neurological system is exquisitely sensitive to harm from alcohol and there is now also substantial evidence that alcohol-related harm can extend beyond the individual person, leading to epigenetic changes and intergenerational vulnerability and disadvantage. There is no known safe level or timing of drinking for pregnant or lactating women and binge drinking (> four drinks within 2 hours for women) is the most harmful. Alcohol-exposure increases the risk of congenital problems, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its most severe form, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). CONCLUSION: The impact of FASD and FAS is enduring and life-long with no current treatment or cure. Emerging therapeutic options may mitigate the worst impact of alcohol exposure but significant knowledge gaps remain. This review discusses the history, epidemiology and clinical presentations of prenatal alcohol exposure, focusing on FASD and FAS, and the impact of evidence on future research, practice and policy directions.
Authors: Tracey W Tsang; Melanie Kingsland; Emma Doherty; John Wiggers; John Attia; Luke Wolfenden; Adrian Dunlop; Belinda Tully; Ian Symonds; Chris Rissel; Christophe Lecathelinais; Elizabeth J Elliott Journal: Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy Date: 2022-08-31
Authors: Hanne Kristine Hegaard; Ane Lilleøre Rom; Karl Bang Christensen; Lotte Broberg; Stinne Høgh; Cecilie Holm Christiansen; Nina Olsen Nathan; Mie Gaarskjaer de Wolff; Peter Damm Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-07-03 Impact factor: 3.390