Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition that affects babies when their mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. It primarily impacts the brain and facial development, leading to lifelong challenges. Children with this syndrome often have distinctive facial features, such as a smooth philtrum and thin upper lip, as well as growth problems and difficulties with learning and behavior. The condition results from alcohol crossing the placenta and interfering with the baby's development. It affects multiple body systems but mainly causes neurological and cognitive impairments. Early diagnosis is important to understand the child's needs and provide support.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a congenital disorder caused by prenatal exposure to ethanol, which acts as a teratogen disrupting normal fetal development. The core pathology involves neurodevelopmental abnormalities and characteristic craniofacial dysmorphisms due to alcohol-induced apoptosis and impaired cell migration during embryogenesis. It is the most severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and is associated with growth retardation, central nervous system dysfunction, and specific facial features including a smooth philtrum, thin vermilion border, and small palpebral fissures. The syndrome leads to significant intellectual disability, behavioral problems, and increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Diagnosis is clinical, based on history of maternal alcohol use and characteristic findings. FAS is a major cause of preventable intellectual disability worldwide.