Fetal alcohol syndrome: seven new cases.

In one year, the "fetal alcohol syndrome" (FAS) was recognized in seven newborn and older infants, bringing the total in the current literature to 26 cases. This recently rediscovered disorder consists of severe prenatal and postnatal growth failure, mental deficiency, and characteristic hypoplasia of the middle face and orbits with minor malformations of the heart and joints. The mothers have chronic alcoholism. By identifying and counseling such women, obstetricians and gynecologists may prevent the occurrence of the syndrome or diagnose it in the neonate.