Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome. Risk factors and their importance in prevention and early diagnosis

作者：Landgraf M N^*; Hilgendorff A; Heinen F

来源：Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde, 2014, 162(10): 903-910.

DOI：10.1007/s00112-014-3222-6

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Pregnancy trimesters
• Socioeconomic factors
• Genetic predisposition to disease
• Binge drinking

At least 14 % of German women drink alcohol during pregnancy. It is estimated that approximately 4 out of 1000 children show the full picture of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
This study was carried out to identify possible risk factors for maternal alcohol consumption and for the development of FAS.
A systematic literature search from 2001 until 2013 was carried out for the evaluation of risk factors for maternal alcohol consumption confirmed in European studies. The search was limited to European studies because the social conditions and development described in them were more compatible with those of the German society. A further systematic literature search was carried out for evaluation of the risk factors for FAS as confirmed by international studies. The very low number of European studies would not have led to any conclusive results; therefore, the search was extended to American and Canadian studies in addition to the European studies.
Well-educated and well-paid older women in particular consume alcohol during pregnancy; however, women who use (other) drugs, smoke or have close relatives or friends who drink alcohol or use drugs also drink alcohol more often. Women who suffer from a psychiatric disorder have a higher risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. A combination of multiple risk factors for alcohol consumption during pregnancy often exists. Whether a pregnant woman who consumes alcohol actually gives birth to a child with FAS or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), seems to depend on multiple factors including the stage of pregnancy, duration, frequency and amount of alcohol consumed, nutrition, maternal age, ethnicity, genetic disposition and other factors.
The knowledge of risk factors can contribute to the primary prevention of FAS, via education and support of affected mothers and their families and to the early diagnosis of FAS in affected children.

• 出版日期2014-10