The prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in New Zealand.

AIMS

To obtain an estimate of the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in New Zealand and to report information on paediatrician surveillance for alcohol related birth defects.

METHODS

New Zealand paediatricians were asked to complete a postal survey. Questions recorded the number of children with alcohol related birth defects under their care, and examined the respondents' surveillance for alcohol related birth defects.

RESULTS

There were 63 children under 10 years of age with fetal alcohol syndrome under paediatric care in 1993. The majority of paediatricians considered the diagnosis only when risk features were identified: the most frequent being children of high risk mothers and children with dysmorphic features.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal alcohol syndrome exists in New Zealand. The prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome as estimated in this study is lower than would be expected from international prevalence reports and is likely to be an underestimate. Current surveillance for alcohol related birth defects depends on an individual paediatrician considering the diagnosis only when faced with a perceived at risk infant or child, and there is likely under recognition. An increased awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and the full spectrum of alcohol related birth defects is required.