Adverse Health Outcomes Associated With Fetal Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review Focused on Cardio-Renal Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to undertake a comprehensive review to identify all the available preclinical and clinical literature investigating cardiovascular and renal outcomes in offspring with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE).

Method: We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies investigating cardio-renal outcomes in offspring with PAE. Literature was systematically searched across four electronic databases and titles/abstracts screened against specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 22 studies (9 clinical and 13 preclinical) were included. It was found that PAE can affect aspects of cardiovascular and renal function, including blood pressure, heart rate control, heart function, and urinary excretion. However, there remain very few clinical studies in this area, and those contained in this review were typically of poor quality and/or had small sample sizes.

Conclusions: Despite the limited research and variable findings across studies, current studies provide preliminary evidence of cardio-renal dysfunction in offspring with PAE.