What proportion of the brain structural and functional abnormalities observed among children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is explained by their prenatal alcohol exposure and their other prenatal and postnatal risks?

Background: Individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) often present with a myriad of other prenatal (e.g. exposure to tobacco and other illicit drugs, poor prenatal care) and postnatal risk factors (e.

Comparison of the 4-Digit Code, Canadian 2015, Australian 2016 and Hoyme 2016 fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic guidelines.

Background: As clinicians strive to achieve consensus worldwide on how best to diagnose fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the most recent FASD diagnostic systems show convergence and divergence. Applying these systems to a single clinical population illustrates the contrasts between them, but validation studies are ultimately required to identify the best system.

Methods: The 4-Digit-Code, Hoyme 2016, Canadian 2015 and Australian 2016 FASD diagnostic systems were applied to 1,392 patient records evaluated for FASD at the University of Washington.

Twin study confirms virtually identical prenatal alcohol exposures can lead to markedly different fetal alcohol spectrum disorder outcomes-fetal genetics influences fetal vulnerability.

Background: Risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is not based solely on the timing and level of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The effects of teratogens can be modified by genetic differences in fetal susceptibility and resistance. This is best illustrated in twins.

Comparison of the FASD 4-Digit Code and Hoyme et al. 2016 FASD diagnostic guidelines.

Background: As clinicians strive to achieve consensus worldwide on how best to diagnose fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the most recent FASD diagnosstic systems exhibit convergence and divergence. Applying these systems to a single clinical population illustrates contrasts between them, but validation studies are ultimately required to identify the best system. Currently, only the 4-Digit Code has published comprehensive validation studies.

The Essential Role of Growth Deficiency in the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Background: Laboratory studies confirm prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes growth deficiency (GD). GD has traditionally been a core diagnostic feature of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but was removed from the Canadian and Australian FASD diagnostic guidelines in 2016. This study aimed to empirically assess the clinical role and value of GD in FASD diagnosis.

Optimizing Surgical Treatment of Internationally Adopted Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Understanding the Family Experience.

Objective: To understand the experience of families with children undergoing cleft surgery following adoption from a country outside the United States. To identify factors, including the timing of surgery, that influence family function throughout the surgical experience.

Design: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with parents of internationally adopted children postrepair of cleft lip and/or cleft palate and coded by a multidisciplinary study team.

Prenatal alcohol and drug exposures in adoption.

Prenatal alcohol and drug exposures are a significant concern in many domestic and international adoptions. This article addresses the following substance exposures for children: alcohol, opiates, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. For each substance, we review the teratogenicity of the exposure and identify the spectrum of neurodevelopmental issues that can present in children exposed to this substance.