4 research outputs found
Investigating alcohol consumption during pregnancy for the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The term FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) is used to
describe the entire spectrum of pathologies and disorders caused
by alcohol exposure in uterus. Alcohol assumed in pregnancy
passes directly through the placental barrier causing a broad range
of symptoms whose severity can greatly vary in degree. The alcohol
teratogenic effect may result in physical damage and specific
facial anomalies, growth delays, neurological defects along with
intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. Children affected
show difficulties in verbal learning, memory, visual-spatial abilities,
attention, logic and math abilities, information processing, executive
functions as well as in many other domains and in general coping
with daily life. Total abstention from alcohol during pregnancy is
strongly recommended, as a safe threshold of consumption has
not been established yet. Hence, the early identification of alcohol
consumption in pregnancy is crucial. Specific methodologies to
overcome difficulties related to the identification of alcohol behavior
in pregnant women are needed and intervention protocols should
be implemented to prevent damage in offsprings. This paper
gives an overview on this pathology, from clinical delineation
to epidemiology and risk factors with a special focus to promote
alcohol-free pregnanc
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: intervention guidance for the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a term used to describe the broad spectrum of pathologies and disorders caused by alcohol exposure in uterus. Since alcohol is able to directly cross the placental barrier, alcohol intake during pregnancy causes a broad range of symptoms whose severity can greatly vary in degree. It is already well established that Ethanol exhibits teratogenic effects resulting in growth delays, physical and specific facial anomalies, neurological defects including intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. Since it is not possible yet to establish a safe threshold of consumption, the only feasible recommendation is the total abstention from alcohol during pregnancy. This work firstly presents an overview on FASD and reviews specific methodologies to overcome difficulties related to the investigation of alcohol behavior in pregnant women. Subsequently, different protocols of intervention are proposed according to different styles of alcohol consumption. The final goal is to provide clinicians with a range of methods in order to prevent damage in the newborns
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: intervention guidance for the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a term used to describe the broad spectrum of pathologies and disorders caused by alcohol exposure in uterus. Since alcohol is able to directly cross the placental barrier, alcohol intake during pregnancy causes a broad range of symptoms whose severity can greatly vary in degree. It is already well established that Ethanol exhibits teratogenic effects resulting in growth delays, physical and specific facial anomalies, neurological defects including intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. Since it is not possible yet to establish a safe threshold of consumption, the only feasible recommendation is the total abstention from alcohol during pregnancy. This work firstly presents an overview on FASD and reviews specific methodologies to overcome difficulties related to the investigation of alcohol behavior in pregnant women. Subsequently, different protocols of intervention are proposed according to different styles of alcohol consumption. The final goal is to provide clinicians with a range of methods in order to prevent damage in the newborns
Pharmacological treatment of alcohol use disorder. Scientific evidence
Pharmacological treatment of alcohol use disorder represents an essential core of the therapeutic project in a multidisciplinary approach. While non-drug treatment is evolving, from a medical perspective few pharmacotherapies are available; in particular acamprosate, naltrexone and more recently nalmefene among anticraving drugs, disulfiram as an antidipsotropic medication. New studies are focusing on off-label drugs. Moreover, scientific evidence has to support any therapeutic indication which should be tailored on patient needs and comorbidity by considering the individual bio-psycho-social profile. Follow-up is essential in order to assess patient compliance to treatment and monitoring outcomes