Diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): fatty acid ethyl esters and neonatal hair analysis

Abstract

Measuring levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in hair has been recently shown to discriminate between adult heavy and non-drinkers. Here, we review the potential of neonatal FAEE measurement in detecting infants exposed to alcohol in utero by outlining current progress in the development of a neonatal hair test for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Developing a reproducible, accurate and predictable hair test for FAEE measurements in neonatal hair may prove to be a powerful tool in the detection of in utero alcohol exposure which is needed for the diagnosis of FASD. Such a neonatal hair test can revolutionize current FASD diagnostic methodology by providing early diagnosis, allowing intervention and treatment at stages where the adverse effects of alcohol can still be mitigated.