Citation

Landgren V, Svensson L, Gyllencreutz E, Aring E, Grönlund MA, Landgren M. BMJ Open 2019; 9(10): e032407.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032407

PMID

31666274

PMCID

PMC6830611

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a global health concern. To further understand FASD in adulthood is a major public health interest.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of young adults with FASD adopted from orphanages to a socially more favourable and stable rearing environment as children.
DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study SETTING: Western Sweden PARTICIPANTS: A population-based cohort of 37 adoptees diagnosed with FASD in childhood.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment consisted of clinical evaluations of social, medical, psychiatric, neuropsychological, adaptive and ophthalmological status by a physician, ophthalmologist, orthoptist and psychologist.
RESULTS: Out of 37 adoptees with FASD, 36 (15 females) were evaluated at a median age of 22 years (range 18-28) and a mean follow-up time of 15.5 years (range 13-17). Twenty (56%) were dependent on social support. Sexual victimisation was reported by nine (26%). In 21 individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome, growth restriction in height and head circumference of approximately -1.8 SD persisted into adulthood. Of 32 examined, 22 (69%) had gross motor coordination abnormalities. High blood pressure was measured in nine (28%). Ophthalmological abnormalities were found in 29 of 30 (97%). A median IQ of 86 in childhood had declined significantly to 71 by adulthood (mean difference: 15.5; 95% CI 9.5-21.4). Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 88%, most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (70%). Three or more disorders were diagnosed in 48%, and 21% had attempted suicide. The median Clinical Global Impression-Severity score was 6 = 'severely ill'.
CONCLUSION: Major cognitive impairments, psychiatric morbidity, facial dysmorphology, growth restriction and ophthalmological abnormalities accompanies FASD in adulthood. Recognition of FASD in childhood warrants habilitation across the lifespan.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Child; Adult; Child, Preschool; Female; Male; Adolescent; Sweden; Prospective Studies; Young Adult; Longitudinal Studies; adoption; Follow-Up Studies; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Developmental Disabilities; fetal alcohol syndrome; attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; mental retardation; Europe, Eastern; Child, Adopted; motor skills disorders