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Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in a population‐based sample of children living in remote A ustralia: The L ililwan Project
Author(s) -
Fitzpatrick James P,
Latimer Jane,
Carter Maureen,
Oscar June,
Ferreira Manuela L,
Carmichael Olson Heather,
Lucas Barbara R,
Doney Robyn,
Salter Claire,
Try Julianne,
Hawkes Genevieve,
Fitzpatrick Emily,
Hand Marmingee,
Watkins Rochelle E,
Martiniuk Alexandra LC,
Bower Carol,
Boulton John,
Elliott Elizabeth J
Publication year - 2015
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/jpc.12814
Subject(s) - medicine , fetal alcohol syndrome , pregnancy , population , confidence interval , pediatrics , obstetrics , environmental health , genetics , biology
Aim Aboriginal leaders concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy invited researchers to determine the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome ( FAS ) and partial fetal alcohol syndrome ( pFAS ) in their communities. Methods Population‐based prevalence study using active case ascertainment in children born in 2002/2003 and living in the F itzroy V alley, in W estern A ustralia ( A pril 2010– N ovember 2011) ( n = 134). Socio‐demographic and antenatal data, including alcohol use in pregnancy, were collected by interview with 127/134 (95%) consenting parents/care givers. Maternal/child medical records were reviewed. Interdisciplinary assessments were conducted for 108/134 (81%) children. FAS/pFAS prevalence was determined using modified C anadian diagnostic guidelines. Results In 127 pregnancies, alcohol was used in 55%. FAS or pFAS was diagnosed in 13/108 children, a prevalence of 120 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 70–196). Prenatal alcohol exposure was confirmed for all children with FAS/pFAS , 80% in the first trimester and 50% throughout pregnancy. Ten of 13 mothers had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and all drank at a high‐risk level. Of children with FAS/pFAS , 69% had microcephaly, 85% had weight deficiency and all had facial dysmorphology and central nervous system abnormality/impairment in three to eight domains. Conclusions The population prevalence of FAS/pFAS in remote A boriginal communities of the F itzroy V alley is the highest reported in A ustralia and similar to that reported in high‐risk populations internationally. Results are likely to be generalisable to other age groups in the F itzroy V alley and other remote A ustralian communities with high‐risk alcohol use during pregnancy. Prevention of FAS/pFAS is an urgent public health challenge.