Foetal alcohol syndrome — a multifaceted condition

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was first described in 1973 by Jones and colleagues. Since then, results of epidemiological studies and clinical experience have shown that exposure of the foetus to high maternal alcohol consumption has a range of consequences. It can result in both major and minor malformations, permanent impairment of growth with a disproportionately low weight-to-height ratio and reduced head growth, and CNS dysfunction ranging from learning disability to specific learning disorders – all characteristics that can, however, have other causes. Effects within all domains can range from mild to severe. Effects seen in a child and the diagnosis reached depend on the duration of exposure to substantial maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the range and timing of peak blood-alcohol levels, the nutritional state of the mother, and individual susceptibility.