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This abstract is assigned to session Ped & Low - Pediatric Ophthalmology and Low-Vision

Title	The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Abstract Nr.	1080

Purpose	To describe the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy
Methods	From a few clinical cases, we will expose the possible impacts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and review the literature
Results	Prenatal exposure to alcohol is associated with a variable spectrum of effects referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) at the most severe end of that spectrum. Alcohol is a physical and behavioral teratogen. It crosses the placenta and rapidly reaches the fetus to give equivalent fetal and maternal alcohol concentrations. As the liver and kidneys of the fetus are still immature, he is therefore unable to metabolize ethanol. In addition, amniotic fluid acts as a reservoir and prolongs exposure to alcohol. The dose and duration of exposure to alcohol associated to the quantity and pattern of maternal drinking are the critical factors in conferring risk. The diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome is based on findings in the following 3 areas: characteristic facial anomalies, growth retardation, and central nervous system involvement. The prevalence is about 1-2 cases per 1000 live births. It is an important public health concern because FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation, but also is associated with persistent physical and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. It crosses all socioeconomic groups and affects all races and ethnicities.
Conclusion	The diagnosis of FAS is important to provide adequate care for these children. It is not always easy to precise true alcohol abuse during pregnancy. In the absence of adequate data, no level of alcohol consumption in pregnancy is known to be safe. The recommendation is therefore to avoid any alcohol consumption during the whole pregnancy.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	BUISSERET
Initials	D
Department	ERASME Hospital
City	Brussels