Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Remarkably High Prevalence of Epilepsy and Seizure History in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term that describes the range of adverse developmental outcomes that may occur in the offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is associated with several comorbidities including epilepsy.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of epilepsy or a history of seizures in subjects with FASD and the contribution of relevant risk factors.

Twenty-five (5.9%) individuals in the study population had a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, and 50 (11.8%) had at least one documented seizure episode, yielding an overall prevalence of 17.7% in this population. Importantly, a history of epilepsy or seizures was not different across the three diagnostic subgroups.

In those subjects with available maternal drinking histories, first trimester exposure or drinking throughout all three trimesters were the predominant forms of fetal exposure. None of the other risk factors were associated with a greater prevalence of epilepsy or seizures.

There is a remarkably high prevalence of epilepsy/seizures in the FASD population.

Read Full Abstract

Request Rerprint E-Mail: carlen@uhnresearch.ca

___________________________________________