All issues > Volume 47(11); 2004

Case Report

Korean J Pediatr. 2004;47(11):1220-1224. Published online November 15, 2004.

A Case of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Jin-Ha JH Chang¹, Ran R Namgung¹, Min-Soo MS Park¹, Kook In KI Park¹, Jin-Sung JS Lee², Chul C Lee¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Clinical Genetics, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Ran R Namgung ,Email: ranng@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Fetal alcohol syndrome can be suspected in infants born to mothers with a prenatal history of alcohol abuse if the child exhibits characteristic facial features, together with intrauterine growth retardation, multiple neurological abnormalities, and multiorgan defects. If only a few of the above criteria are satisfied, the term fetal alcohol effects is used. We experienced a neonate who presented with hydrocephalus, low birth weight, seizure, right renal agenesis, characteristic facial features and a maternal history of alcohol abuse, and diagnosed him as fetal alcohol syndrome(FAS), with accompanying meconium aspiration syndrome, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. There is no definite cure for FAS, but it can be prevented by maternal abstinence from drinking; thus maternal education, understanding and early diagnosis of those affected are of importance.

Keywords :Fetal alcohol syndrome, IUGR, Renal agenesis, Persistent pulmonary hypertension, Newborn