Descriptive Epidemiology of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

(© Michelle Sahl 2001)

Introduction

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is exhibited by a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include mental retardation, growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction, craniofacial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustment. Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) is a less severe set of the same symptoms.  The southern portion of the State of New Jersey (NJ) has been selected for a discreet population-based analysis to describe the syndrome, its impact and the current knowledge regarding FAS.

As is the case across the country, New Jersey residents, and especially high-risk women in their childbearing years, need better information about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Many health care providers, however, are unfamiliar with and untrained in the issues and treatment needs of children with FAS.  FAS/FAE is widely misdiagnosed and under diagnosed.  Less than 10% of medical schools require students to complete a course on the proper diagnosis and referral of individuals with alcoholism and other drug addictions.[i]

 

Although the syndrome that is often mistaken and misunderstood, certain facts are nevertheless indisputable:[ii]

·         FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation.

·         FAS/FAE produces irreversible physical and mental damage.

·         Behavioral problems of FAE children can be as severe as those of FAS children.

·         FAS/FAE crosses all socio-economic groups and effects all races.

·         Costs for one FAS child are estimated to be $2 million over a lifetime.

·         No amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is known to be safe

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