Incidence of prenatal alcohol exposure in Prince Edward Island: a population-based descriptive study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a leading preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disability in North America. The stigma associated with alcohol use and abuse during pregnancy makes it difficult to obtain information on prenatal alcohol use through self-reporting. We assessed the incidence of prenatal alcohol exposure in Prince Edward Island to facilitate future public health initiatives addressing FASD.

Methods

Prenatal alcohol exposure was examined via population-based collection of meconium and analysis of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). Fatty acid ethyl esters are nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol that are produced in the fetus. Meconium FAEE concentrations of 2.0 nmol/g or greater are indicative of frequent prenatal alcohol exposure during the l

SUBMITTER: Bryanton J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4084744 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature