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Need to establish a national diagnostic capacity for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Author(s) -
Mutch Raewyn,
Peadon Elizabeth M,
Elliott Elizabeth J,
Bower Carol
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2009.01464.x
Subject(s) - medicine , fetal alcohol spectrum disorder , metropolitan area , fetal alcohol , broad spectrum , pregnancy , pediatrics , family medicine , pathology , chemistry , genetics , combinatorial chemistry , biology
Alcohol exposure in pregnancy can induce a broad range of physical and developmental defects in the child, collectively known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In Australia, there are proven gaps in our knowledge and practice for recognising and diagnosing FASD. The challenge for the Australian health professional is agreeing on a model for diagnosing and treating FASD. The diagnostic method must be evidence based, sensitive and specific, and account for other exposures during pregnancy and early life events. Training in application of the diagnostic method needs to be readily available in metropolitan and regional Australia. The University of Washington FASD 4‐digit diagnostic code fulfils all of these best practice criteria, recommending itself as the method of choice.