User:Reaper0102

fetal alcohol syndrome is the number one cause of mental retardation in the western world, with an incidence of 1.9 per thousand births. Ranking second and third are Down's syndrome and spina bifida (1.25/1000 and 1.1/1000, respectively). interestingly, fetal alcohol syndrome is the only one of the three that is preventable.

FAS is characterized by all of the following for definitive diagnosis: 1. prenatal and postnatal growth retardation 2. central nervous system involvement 3. characteristic facial dysmorphology with at least two of the following signs: microcephaly; short palpebral fissure

in addition to the above listed criteria, there may be associated features, but they are not required for the diagnosis, 4. physical deformities 5. cardiac defects 6. ocular problems 7. hyperactivity