ESPE Abstracts

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a leading preventable cause of developmental and psychosocial disorders. Prenatal alcohol exposure can be a cause of growth impairment and metabolic problems. Several diagnostic classifications of FASD are used in parallel around the world. Each of the recommendations used worldwide indicates the need to evaluate four key domains, such as the quantity and quality of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, dysmorphic facial characteristics, prenatal and postnatal growth/weight impairment, and psychoneurodevelopmental disorders. Study: The study patients were recruited from the Department of Pediatrics, Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, and the Outpatient Endocrinology Clinic in Rzeszow, Poland. Each person referred for evaluation had a diagnosis of FASD based on diagnostic recommendations. The population consisted of 59 subjects with FASD (FAS and ND-PAE/pFAS) with measurements of weight and height, and hormonal tests were performed. Perinatal history data on gestational age and birth weight and length were also obtained. The study group showed a significant increase in height and weight deficiency - in particular, children with FAS had consistently lower height and weight measurements than children with ND-PAE (pFAS). They also showed a higher prevalence of low birth weight and its further complications. During the care of children with FASD, a continuous evaluation of nutritional status, height, and weight is necessary. This group of patients is often affected by low birth weight and pubertal disorders that require differential diagnosis and appropriate dietary and therapeutic management.