Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in a population‐based sample of children living in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project

• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12814
• Publication Date: 2020-09-10T07:48:46Z
• Authors: James P Fitzpatrick; Jane Latimer; Maureen Carter; June Oscar; Manuela L Ferreira; Heather Carmichae...; Barbara R Lucas; Robyn Doney; Claire Salter; Julianne Try; Genevieve Hawkes; Emily Fitzpatrick; Marmingee Hand; Rochelle E Watkins; Alexandra LC Mart...; Carol Bower; John Boulton; Elizabeth J Elliott
• Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; Sample (material); Fetal alcohol

Aim Aboriginal leaders concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy invited researchers to determine the prevalence fetal syndrome ( FAS ) and partial pFAS their communities. Methods Population‐based study using active case ascertainment children born 2002/2003 living F itzroy V alley, W estern A ustralia pril 2010– N ovember 2011) n = 134). Socio‐demographic antenatal data, including pregnancy, were collected by interview with 127/134 (95%) consenting parents/care givers. Maternal/child medical records reviewed. Interdisciplinary assessments conducted for 108/134 (81%) children. FAS/pFAS was determined modified C anadian diagnostic guidelines. Results In 127 pregnancies, used 55%. or diagnosed 13/108 children, a 120 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 70–196). Prenatal exposure confirmed all , 80% first trimester 50% throughout pregnancy. Ten 13 mothers had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores drank at high‐risk level. Of 69% microcephaly, 85% weight deficiency facial dysmorphology central nervous system abnormality/impairment three eight domains. Conclusions The population remote boriginal communities alley is highest reported similar that populations internationally. are likely be generalisable other age groups ustralian during Prevention an urgent public health challenge.