Diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) : fatty acid ethyl esters and neonatal hair analysis
Caprara, D.L.; Klein, J.; Koren, G.
Annali Dell'istituto Superiore di Sanita 42(1): 39-45
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2571 PMID: 16801724 Document Number: 599523
Measurement of the levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in hair has been recently shown to discriminate between adult heavy and non-drinkers. This paper reviews the potential of neonatal FAEE measurement in detecting infants exposed to alcohol in utero by outlining the current progress in the development of a neonatal hair test for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Developing a reproducible, accurate and predictable hair test for FAEE measurements in neonatal hair may prove to be a powerful tool in the detection of in utero alcohol exposure which is needed for the diagnosis of FASD. Such a neonatal hair test can revolutionize the current FASD diagnostic methodology by providing early diagnosis, allowing intervention and treatment at stages where the adverse effects of alcohol can still be mitigated.