Alcohol Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders FASD

Alcohol, Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Gabriela Olivas RN, BSN, SNNP University of Texas Medical Branch GNRS 5631 March 26 th, 2014 Leigh Ann Cates Ph. D, MSN, RN, NNP-BC, RRT-NPS Debra Armentrout RN, MSN, NNP-BC, Ph. D

Objectives Define Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Define maternal/fetal pathophysiology of alcohol on fetus during pregnancy Discuss physiological impact of alcohol on fetus Describe clinical manifestations of FASD at birth Discuss diagnostic evaluation of the neonate Discuss therapeutic approach and treatment options Define economic, emotional and social implications of FASD

Introduction �Approximately 12% of women in the United States and over 20% worldwide drink alcohol during pregnancy. �Many women are not aware they are pregnant until 4 -6 weeks into pregnancy; consequently those women have been drinking alcohol during the critical time of development in the first trimester. �As a result fetus may experience detrimental effects of alcohol. (Balachova et al. , 2013)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Consumption of alcohol during any gestation of pregnancy = alcohol fetal consumption; consequently, it causes detrimental physical & neurological defects, which can be lead to any one of the array of disorders which are described as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders [FASD]. (Martin, Fanaroff, & Walsh, 2011) (May & Gossage, 2011)

Pathophysiology �Alcohol easily crosses placenta and reaches fetus. �Amniotic fluid acts as a reservoir for alcohol, prolonging fetal exposure. �Ethanol and its metabolite, acetyldehydrate (the placenta deoxidizes ethanol to this substance) alters fetal development by: (Blackburn, 2013) (Vaux, 2012)

Pathophysiology 1) disrupting cellular differentiation & growth 2) disrupting DNA & protein synthesis 3) inhibiting cell migration due to the fact it reaches 50% of maternal levels 4) modifies the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, & fats (Blackburn, 2013) (Vaux, 2012)

Pathophysiology 5) interferes and decreases the transfer of amino acids, glucose, folic acid, zinc & other nutrients across placental barrier disrupting fetal growth due to intrauterine nutrient deprivation 6) interferes with the incorporation of amino acids into proteins (Blackburn, 2013) (Vaux, 2012)

Pathophysiology 7) affects cell membranes & cell migration altering embryonic tissue organization with dysmorphic changes; consequently, this may limit the number of fetal cells and lead to fetal growth restriction 8) decreased placental transfer of linoleic & docosahexanoic acid may also alter fetal growth & development (Blackburn, 2013) (Vaux, 2012)

Physiological Impact �Physiological impact on fetus development depends on the time of gestation & amount of alcohol consumption �Heavy drinking (four or more drinks in a day at least occasionally) throughout pregnancy can cause major structural defects to the fetus. �These include defects in several major organ systems, growth retardation, and brain abnormalities. However, different systems are more vulnerable at different times. (Sadler & Langman, 2012) (Paoletti et al. , 2013)

Physiological Impact

Alcohol related birth defects (NOFAS, n. d. )

Clinical Manifestations of FASD at birth and up to 36 hours post birth (NOFAS, n. d. ) (Vaux, 2012) Upon birth there are distinct set of facial anomalies seen when a fetus is exposed to alcohol in utero.

Baby with FAS (Fetal alcohol syndrome, n. d. )

Clinical Manifestations continued �The infant may also have decreased muscle tone, poor coordination and heart defects such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) or atrial septal defect (ASD). �Central nervous symptoms seen within 24 hours after delivery are tremors, irritability, twitching, hyperacusis(decreased tolerance to noise), hyperventilation, hypertonicity, opisthotonos, and seizures. (Gomella et al. , 2013)

Diagnostic Evaluation �When a diagnosis of FASD is considered, there are three major factors that must be addressed in the individual: (1) physical growth, development, and structural defects (for example, dysmorphology) (2) cognitive and neurobehavioral function; and (3) maternal exposure and risk (Douzgou et al. , 2012) (May & Gossage, 2011)

Diagnostic Evaluation continued �In 1996, the Institute of Medicine published specific diagnostic criteria for FAS with confirmed maternal alcohol exposure, FAS without confirmed maternal alcohol exposure, partial FAS with confirmed alcohol exposure, alcohol related birth defects (ARBD), and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders [ARND]. (Douzgou et al. , 2012)

Diagnostic Classification of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol-Related Effects (CDC, 2011)

Diagnostic Evaluation continued… A new test capable of detecting fetal fatty acid ethyl esters in the meconium of newborns of heavy alcohol users may be useful for identification of infants in need of early health, developmental and psychosocial intervention and may enhance clinical research involving prenatal drug and alcohol exposure. (Martin et al. , 2011)

Treatment Options �There is no cure for FASD. �Main focus of treatment is ultimately prevention, education & early intervention. �Abstinence from alcohol preconceptually and during pregnancy. �Guidelines for screening and management of FASD include universal screening of pregnant women for alcohol use, so that appropriate management can be provided. (Martin et al. , 2011)

Treatment options �It is imperative to identify possible diagnosis of one of the FASD because early intervention is associated with better outcomes. �Prompt referrals and enrollment in indicated services are required to achieve best outcomes. (CDC, 2011) (Schaefer & Deere, 2011)

Economic Implications of FASD �Due to possibility of wide array of disabilities, patients with FASD may have special needs that require lifelong help. �FASD costs $6 billion annually in the United States. �It costs $1. 4 million to treat one person with FAS over their lifetime. (This estimates medical treatment, home and residential care, special educational services and productivity losses with patients with FASD of all ages. (NOFAS, n. d. ) (Popova et al. , 2011)

Emotional/Social Implications of FASD �These children often come from unstable families and are at higher risk for physical, sexual abuse and neglect. �As many as 85% of children with FASD are raised by grandparents, other relatives, foster parents, or adoptive parents. �They are at increased risk for negative attachment & reactive attachment disorder. (NOFAS, n. d. )

Emotional/Social Implications of FASD �The mother may feel guilty upon learning of infants diagnosis; counseling should be recommended to deal with life-long behavioral and learning problems the child will have. �This can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for the family. �These children may require a range of specialized medical, social , educational, and legal services. (NOFAS, n. d. )

Conclusion �Worldwide rate of FAS has been estimated to be 1. 9 per 1, 000 in the United States. �Alcohol is now recognized as the leading of preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States. �The national Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome best sums up the relationship of alcohol and pregnancy by stating, ““Alcohol and Pregnancy. No safe amount. No safe time. No safe alcohol. Period. ” (Belachova et al. , 2013) (NOFAS, n. d. )

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