Global DNA Methylation and Histone Posttranslational Modifications in Human and Nonhuman Primate Brain in Association with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.

Background: Based upon experimental animal studies, the neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (PNAE)/fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have been attributed, at least in part, to epigenetic modifications. However, there are no direct analyses of human brain tissue.

Methods: Immunohistochemical detection of global epigenetic markers was performed on temporal lobe samples of autopsied fetuses and infants with documented PNAE.

Cost of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnosis in Canada.

Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is underdiagnosed in Canada. The diagnosis of FASD is not simple and currently, the recommendation is that a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment of the individual be done. The purpose of this study was to estimate the annual cost of FASD diagnosis on Canadian society.

The Canadian guidelines and the interdisciplinary clinical capacity of Canada to diagnose fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Background: In 2005, the CMAJ published the Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Canadian guidelines for diagnosis. The intent of this publication was to encourage a more consistent interdisciplinary team approach and diagnostic procedure for FASD diagnoses. That same year, the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network (CanFASD Northwest) determined the locations and capacity for interdisciplinary FASD diagnosis across Canada.

Developing effective, culturally appropriate avenues to FASD diagnosis and prevention in northern Canada.

This article describes 2 research initiatives that are being undertaken by members of the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network, involving collaborations between researchers, clinicians, service providers and community members in the Canadian North. Improving both the diagnosis and prevention of FASD requires evidence-based approaches to clinical and social service delivery that are capable of accounting for the unique contours of the geographic, regional and cultural diversities in which women become pregnant and in which families live. Although FASD has been a priority for communities and governments in northern Canada, research capacity has not been available to support the development of the context-specific knowledge needed to inform policy and practice in this region.

Normal distribution of palpebral fissure lengths in Canadian school age children.

Background: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) includes the facial dysmorphic feature of short palpebral fissures (PFs) and short PFs are a key physical marker for identifying children with FAS and some other rarer conditions. There is concern that normative data on PFs now available may not reflect all racial/ethnic groups and might be inaccurate in general.

Objectives: To accomplish a large population based study that would accurately determine normative PF values across the full diversity of the Canadian school age population.

Development of Canadian screening tools for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the most common cause of neurobehavioural handicap in North America. Screening for FASD may facilitate diagnosis and hence management of these children. We present a variety of screening tools for the identification of children at risk for FASD.

Building clinical capacity for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnoses in western and northern Canada.

Background: Fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are common problems. In response to this problem the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network was established in 2005 by the Canada Northwest FASD Ministerial Partnership. This study was conducted to determine the FASD clinical activity in Canada Northwest.

Application of the fetal alcohol syndrome facial photographic screening tool in a foster care population.

We determined the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in a foster care population and evaluated the performance of the FAS Facial Photographic Screening Tool. All children enrolled in a Washington State Foster Care Passport Program were screened for three conditions: (1) the FAS facial phenotype from a photograph, (2) evidence of brain damage with prenatal alcohol exposure from their Health and Education passport, and/or (3) other syndromes identifiable from a facial photograph. Screen-positives received diagnostic evaluations at a FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network clinic.