Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Epidemiological surveillance of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in children under 16 years of age

• IRAS ID

  212510

• Contact name

  Kathryn Johnson

• Contact email

  kathrynjohnson1@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 6 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (sometimes known as FAS) is a rare condition which occurs when the developing baby is exposed to alcohol in the womb. Alcohol can cross the placenta into an unborn baby's blood stream. The exposure of an unborn baby to alcohol can then affect the development of the brain, leading to challenges in learning and development. Alcohol can also affect the development of other parts of the unborn baby’s body, particularly the face.

  The exact amount of alcohol that cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is unknown but FAS can be completely prevented by avoiding the use of alcohol in pregnancy.

  In addition to the specific effects on growth, brain and facial development, babies and children affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can sometimes have
  · Hearing problems
  · Speech problems
  · Seizures (fits)
  · Liver problems
  · Kidney problems
  · Heart defects

  In the UK and Ireland we currently know little about the exact numbers of babies and children affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the services they require to support them throughout their childhood. With active surveillance through the British Paedaitric Surveillance Unit he aim of the study is to answer both these questions and ultimately improve the treatment and support we can provide to babies, children and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

• REC name

  London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/LO/1020

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Aug 2017

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion