Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Midwestern City: Child Characteristics, Maternal Risk Traits, and Prevalence

Abstract

Objective: To determine the characteristics of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their mothers in a Midwestern city.

Methods: Case-control samples were drawn from 2 separate first-grade cohorts (combined N = 4,047) in every city school using different methods. In Cohort Sample 1, all consented small children (≤25th centile on height, weight, and/or head circumference) entered the study along with a random sample from all enrolled students. Cohort Sample 2 was drawn totally at random. Child growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavior were assessed using the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP) criteria, and mothers were interviewed.

Results: For the samples combined, 891 children received dysmorphology examinations, and 692 were case-conferenced for final diagnosis. Forty-four children met criteria for FASD. Total dysmorphology scores differentiated diagnostic groups: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 16.7; partial FAS, 11.8; alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), 6.1; and typically developing controls, 4.2. Neurobehavioral tests distinguished children with FASD from controls, more for behavioral problems than cognitive delay. Children with ARND demonstrated the poorest neurobehavioral indicators. An adjusted regression model of usual prepregnancy drinking indicated that maternal reports of 3 drinks per drinking day (DDD) were significantly associated with a FASD diagnosis (p = 0.020, OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 1.44 to 70.54), as were 5 or more DDD (p < 0.001, OR = 26.47, 95% CI = 4.65 to 150.62). Other significant maternal risk factors included the following: self-reported drinking in any trimester; smoking and cocaine use during pregnancy; later pregnancy recognition and later and less prenatal care; lower maternal weight, body mass index (BMI), and head circumference; and unmarried status. There was no significant difference in FASD prevalence by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or socioeconomic status at this site, where the prevalence of FASD was 14.4 to 41.2 per 1,000 (1.4 to 4.1%).

Conclusion: This city displayed the lowest prevalence of FASD of the 4 CoFASP sites. Nevertheless, FASD were common, and affected children demonstrated a common, recognizable, and measurable array of traits.

Keywords: Alcohol Use and Abuse; Children with FASD; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Prenatal Alcohol Use; Prevalence; Women.

Figure 1.

Sampling Methodology for Prevalence of FASD in Midwestern City: Sample 1 *If a child was randomly selected and found to have an FASD or another known genetic or teratogenic disorder, he/she was classified appropriately and removed from the control group. **11 were not FASD, with other genetic disorders

Figure 2.

Sampling Methodology for Prevalence of FASD in Midwestern City: Sample 2 *If a child was randomly selected and found to have an FASD or another known genetic or teratogenic disorder, he/she was classified appropriately and removed from the control group. ** 2 were not FASD, but had other genetic disorders

Figure 3.

CoFASP Cut-Off Criteria Set for all Domains: Neurobehavioral Testing Battery

Figure 4.

Occipitofrontal Circumference (OFC) and Total Dysmorphology Score by FASD Diagnosis, Midwestern City

Figure 5.

Selected Cognitive and Behavioral Measures by Specific FASD Diagnoses, Midwestern City

Figure 6.

A. Week When Pregnancy Was First Recognized, Midwestern Site B. Timing of First Visit to Healthcare Provider by Trimester, Midwestern site

Figure 7.

Combined Sample Site Prevalence of FASD Diagnoses in the Midwestern City: Cohort Samples 1 and 2 and Mean Prevalence *Individual Sample 1 and Sample 2 estimates from May et al., 2018a.