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Special Article

Updated Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

H. Eugene Hoyme, Wendy O. Kalberg, Amy J. Elliott, Jason Blankenship, David Buckley, Anna-Susan Marais, Melanie A. Manning, Luther K. Robinson, Margaret P. Adam, Omar Abdul-Rahman, Tamison Jewett, Claire D. Coles, Christina Chambers, Kenneth L. Jones, Colleen M. Adnams, Prachi E. Shah, Edward P. Riley, Michael E. Charness, Kenneth R. Warren and Philip A. May
Pediatrics August 2016, 138 (2) e20154256; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-4256
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Abstract

The adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure constitute a continuum of disabilities (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders [FASD]). In 1996, the Institute of Medicine established diagnostic categories delineating the spectrum but not specifying clinical criteria by which diagnoses could be assigned. In 2005, the authors published practical guidelines operationalizing the Institute of Medicine categories, allowing for standardization of FASD diagnoses in clinical settings. The purpose of the current report is to present updated diagnostic guidelines based on a thorough review of the literature and the authors’ combined expertise based on the evaluation of >10 000 children for potential FASD in clinical settings and in epidemiologic studies in conjunction with National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism–funded studies, the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence. The guidelines were formulated through conference calls and meetings held at National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offices in Rockville, MD. Specific areas addressed include the following: precise definition of documented prenatal alcohol exposure; neurobehavioral criteria for diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder; revised diagnostic criteria for alcohol-related birth defects; an updated comprehensive research dysmorphology scoring system; and a new lip/philtrum guide for the white population, incorporating a 45-degree view. The guidelines reflect consensus among a large and experienced cadre of FASD investigators in the fields of dysmorphology, epidemiology, neurology, psychology, developmental/behavioral pediatrics, and educational diagnostics. Their improved clarity and specificity will guide clinicians in accurate diagnosis of infants and children prenatally exposed to alcohol.

  • Abbreviations:
    ARBD —
    alcohol-related birth defects
    ARND —
    alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder
    CDC —
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    CIFASD —
    Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
    CoFASP —
    Collaboration on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevalence
    FAS —
    fetal alcohol syndrome
    FASD —
    fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
    IOM —
    Institute of Medicine
    ND-PAE —
    Neurobehavioral Disorder with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
    NIAAA —
    National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
    PFAS —
    partial fetal alcohol syndrome
    WHO —
    World Health Organization

    • The adverse effects of alcohol on the developing fetus were described independently by Lemoine et al in 19681 and by Jones et al in 1973.2 As with most malformation syndromes, the most severely affected children were described first, with the associated pattern of malformation termed fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).2 As pediatricians became more familiar with the clinical presentation of children prenatally exposed to alcohol, it became clear that the associated disabilities represent a spectrum, from mild to severe (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASD). In 1996, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) described 4 distinct diagnostic categories within FASD: FAS, partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).3 However, the task force did not specify the clinical process by which individual children could be assigned to the groups. Since that time, a number of diagnostic systems have been proposed.4⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–10 In 2005, Hoyme et al4 described specific clinical guidelines that allowed for assigning diagnoses within the 1996 IOM classification.

    Subsequently, the authors have evaluated >10 000 children for potential FASD in clinical settings and epidemiologic studies as part of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) supported studies, the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD), and the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP). CIFASD was established by NIAAA in 2003 to investigate data-driven methods for complete diagnosis of the continuum of FASD, prevention of the adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, and effective interventions for affected individuals.11,12 CoFASP seeks to establish the prevalence of FASD among school-age children in US communities by using active case ascertainment methodology.12 Based on this broad multidisciplinary experience, the purpose of this special article is to propose updated clinical guidelines for diagnosing FASD that clarify and expand on the original 2005 guidelines. These updated diagnostic criteria have been formulated, reviewed, and accepted by the investigators and collaborating sites of CoFASP and the administrative core of CIFASD. They do not necessarily represent the policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Background and Scope of the Problem

    FASDs are the leading cause of preventable developmental disabilities in the world. Recent school-based studies in the United States estimate the prevalence of FASD to be much higher than previously thought. May et al13 recently recorded combined rates of FAS and PFAS of 10.9 to 25.2 per 1000 (1.1%–2.5%) in a Rocky Mountain community, whereas the complete continuum of FASD (including ARND) was observed to be 24 to 48 per 1000 (2.4%–4.8%) in a community in the Northern Plains.14 In the mixed race population of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, the highest prevalence rates of FASD in the world have been documented, 135.1 to 207.5 per 1000 (13.5%–20.8%).15 The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently planning prevalence studies in several countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, which should lead to global data about the frequency of this continuum of disabilities.16

    The high prevalence of FASD produces an immense burden to society in financial terms, unrealized productivity, and human suffering. In the United States, annual cost estimates have ranged from $74.6 million in 198417 to $4.0 billion in 1998.18 In 2007, the estimated annual cost of FASD in Canada was CAD $5.3 billion.19

    The soaring prevalence and burden of FASD in children recently led the American Academy of Pediatrics to stress the following: no amount of alcohol intake during pregnancy can be considered safe; there is no safe trimester to drink alcohol; all forms of alcohol pose a similar risk; and binge drinking poses a dose-related risk to the fetus.20

    Preparation of Updated Diagnostic Guidelines

    These guidelines were formulated by the authors over a 12-month period, through a series of conference calls and face-to-face meetings at the offices of NIAAA in Rockville, MD. The following working subgroups of investigators were organized to revisit diagnostic criteria: dysmorphology evaluation, neurobehavioral assessment, and definition of significant documented prenatal alcohol exposure. Recommendations from the working committees were brought back to the larger group for discussion and revision. The guidelines presented herein are the result of a thorough review of the literature and the longstanding collective expertise of the authors. The updated clinical guidelines for diagnosis of FASD are set forth in Table 1.

    View this table:
    TABLE 1

    Updated Criteria for the Diagnosis of FASD

    Application of the Guidelines in the Diagnosis of FASD

    An FASD diagnostic algorithm incorporating the updated diagnostic guidelines is depicted in Fig 1.

    FIGURE 1
    FIGURE 1

    FASD diagnostic algorithm. See text for complete discussion. A positive dysmorphology facial evaluation requires 2 of the 3 cardinal facial features of FASD (short palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, and thin vermilion border of the upper lip). Cutoffs for neuropsychological testing are –1.5 SD. Cutoffs for stature, weight, and head circumference are at the 10th percentile.

    Optimal Diagnostic Setting and the Role of the Pediatrician

    Assignment of an FASD diagnosis is a complex medical diagnostic process best accomplished through a structured multidisciplinary approach by a clinical team comprising members with varied but complementary experience, qualifications, and skills. The assessment of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol requires a medical assessment and team leadership by a pediatrician or clinical geneticist/dysmorphologist with expertise in the full range of human malformation syndromes and the dysmorphology evaluation of children with FASD. In addition, exposed children should have expert psychological/neuropsychological assessment, and a skilled interviewer should evaluate prenatal maternal alcohol intake. Other team members may include developmental behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special educators, audiologists, and/or ophthalmologists.10,21⇓–23

    The essential role of the pediatrician in the identification and care of children with FASD cannot be overstated. Pediatricians are among the most likely practitioners to first encounter children with prenatal alcohol exposure who are potentially at risk for FASD. Jones et al24 demonstrated the accuracy of pediatricians in recognizing FAS on the basis of physical and other common associated features after a relatively short training session. In addition, once a diagnosis is assigned, pediatricians are called on to provide a medical home for affected children, coordinate mental health services, and manage other comorbid mental health disorders. Pediatricians also play an important role in the prevention of future alcohol-exposed pregnancies through counseling women with affected children.25

    Documentation of Significant Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

    Assessment of maternal prenatal alcohol intake is an essential part of the diagnostic process and is the first step in the diagnostic algorithm outlined in Fig 1. It is best measured by quantity of alcohol consumed per occasion (standard drinks per drinking day), frequency that it is consumed (eg, daily, times per week), and timing during gestation, because timing of significant exposure (even in the early weeks of pregnancy) can produce different physical and neurobehavioral phenotypes.26⇓⇓⇓–30 Binge drinking (3–5 drinks or more per occasion) has been shown in animal and human studies to be the most detrimental to fetal development.26,31 Asking about use of other potential teratogens during pregnancy is also important because, in addition to their own potential teratogenicity, women who abuse drugs are more likely to use alcohol during pregnancy.13,14,32 Because in many populations it is likely that prenatal alcohol use will be denied completely or be significantly underreported,13,14,33⇓–35 biomarkers can assist in documenting prenatal alcohol exposure. Most frequently, alcohol exposure information is collected retrospectively. It is well documented that accurate information on a particular pregnancy can be obtained from a willing respondent years after the birth of a child36⇓–38 or from the medical or social service records or a collateral informant (eg, spouse, close relative, or friend) who had regular contact with the mother during pregnancy.15,26

    In maternal interviews, because of potential stigmatization associated with prenatal alcohol use, and for accuracy, questions should be asked in a timeline followback manner,39,40 progressing from the broader context of health history (childbearing, general illness, nutrition, and dietary intake26,41,42) to the more sensitive alcohol use questions. It is important to also consider the overall drinking pattern immediately before pregnancy recognition, as it is common for the drinking pattern of 3 months before pregnancy to persist into early pregnancy.13,14,43⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–49

    A consensus definition of significant prenatal alcohol exposure is set forth in Table 2. Note that although certain circumstances permit the diagnosis of FAS or PFAS without firm documentation of gestational alcohol use (Table 1), positive confirmation of alcohol exposure must be available for the diagnosis of ARND or ARBD to be assigned.

    View this table:
    TABLE 2

    Definition of Documented Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (as Applied to the Diagnostic Categories Set Forth in Table 1)

    Dysmorphology Evaluation

    After assessing prenatal alcohol exposure, the presence or absence of the characteristic structural features of FASD must be evaluated. For the dysmorphology examination, height, weight, and head circumference should first be measured and plotted by using population-specific growth curves. In the United States, the authors advise following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations: use the WHO growth charts for children from birth to 2 years to assess height and weight. (The WHO growth standards for children younger than 2 years have been adapted for use in the United States.) Use the CDC growth charts for children and teenagers aged 2 to 19 years.61 In other countries, we recommend using more-specific population-normed charts, if available. If growth curves specific to the population studied are not available, we endorse the recommendations of the CDC for US children.61 Prenatal growth restriction can be determined from reference data published by Oken et al62 by gestational age. In these diagnostic guidelines, we define growth deficiency as ≤10th centile.4,8 Prenatal growth restriction should be exhibited, or a pattern of postnatal growth deficiency should be documented if possible (decreased height and/or weight on >1 occasion over 12 months, and unrelated to postnatal environmental deprivation). With respect to determination of head circumference centiles, we have used the head circumference growth charts from Nellhaus63 in all populations, in lieu of more-specific population-based norms. For the purposes of these guidelines, a small head circumference is defined as ≤10th centile.4,8

    The presence or absence of the 3 cardinal facial characteristics of FASD must next be objectively assessed: short palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, and thin vermilion border of the upper lip (Fig 2). Although other investigators have advocated for measurement of facial anthropometry from 2-dimensional photography, we feel that direct examinations are more practical in an office setting. Here we define short palpebral fissures as ≤10th centile.4,8 Palpebral fissure length centiles can be estimated from a number of published norms; we have used the curves derived from direct examination of children published by Thomas et al.64 If facial anthropometry is measured live, palpebral fissure norms derived from live examinations must be used. (If palpebral fissure lengths are measured from photographs, published norms obtained from 2-dimensional photography are available.65) Similar to the experience of the authors, Avner et al66 found palpebral fissure lengths measured from photographs to be consistently smaller than those measured live. Similarly, Astley67 found the norm for palpebral fissures measured from 2-dimensional photographic software to fall 1.6 SDs below the mean on a palpebral fissure chart derived from live examinations. Figure 3 A and B depicts the technique for direct measurement of palpebral fissure length, and Fig 3C demonstrates why, in our experience, 2-dimensional photographic assessment of palpebral fissure length is prone to inaccuracy because of individual variation in the zygomatic angle that cannot be corrected for by a single mathematical adjustment. However, it should be noted that investigators disagree on the method that results in the most accurate measurement of palpebral fissure length.67⇓–69 The morphology of the philtrum and the vermilion border of the upper lip are objectively scored by comparison with a racially normed lip/philtrum guide (Fig 4).70,71 Scores of 4 or 5 are consistent with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. If 2 of the 3 cardinal facial characteristics are present (short palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, and/or thin vermilion border of the upper lip) the child is classified as having a positive dysmorphology facial evaluation for FASD.

    FIGURE 2
    FIGURE 2

    Typical child with FAS. The 3 cardinal facial features are evident: short palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, and relatively thin vermilion border of the upper lip. Midface hypoplasia is also apparent.

    FIGURE 3
    FIGURE 3

    A, Technique for measuring palpebral fissure length. A small plastic ruler is used to measure the distance between the endocanthion (where the eyelids meet medially) and the exocanthion (where the eyelids meet laterally). Subject and examiner should be seated at the same level opposite from one another. Keeping the chin level, the subject is asked to look up, allowing the examiner to bring the ruler as close to the eye as possible (without touching the lashes). The ruler can be rested on the cheek for stability while recording the measurement. B, Note that the ruler is angled slightly to follow the curve of the zygoma. C, The correct length of the palpebral fissure is depicted here as measurement “C.” This highlights the difficulty of 2-dimensional photographic measurement, because “B” is highly variable among individuals, leading to differences in the zygomatic angle (the angle between line segments B and C).

    FIGURE 4
    FIGURE 4

    Lip/philtrum guide for the white population, incorporating a 45-degree view. This guide was produced by analysis of photographs of >800 white children from school-based studies in the United States.13,14 Scores are assessed separately for the philtrum and vermilion border; scores of 4 or 5 are compatible with FAS or PFAS.

    Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Neuropsychology Evaluation

    Because the primary manifestations of the teratogenic effects of alcohol are demonstrated by changes in brain structure and/or function, comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment is essential. Although the dysmorphology assessment of infants and small children for the growth and facial characteristics of FASD is feasible, a comprehensive cognitive/developmental evaluation may not be possible by using conventional assessment tools until after age 3 years.72 However, the cognitive and neurobehavioral phenotype of affected children evolves predictably over time73⇓⇓–76 and can be correlated with areas of brain vulnerability (Table 3).

    View this table:
    TABLE 3

    Developmental Emergence of Neurocognitive and Behavioral Deficits Associated With FASD

    The authors promote the use of standardized tests that were developed by using normative groups that are representative of the population being tested. Therefore, in the updated guidelines, ≥1.5 SD below the mean refers to the mean of the normative group on which the tests were standardized. Therefore, both groups (alcohol-exposed children as well as unexposed children) are tested by using the same well-normed testing battery, thereby making the comparisons appropriate.

    Multidisciplinary Case Conference

    Once the prenatal exposure history, dysmorphology assessment, and neuropsychological testing have been obtained, a multidisciplinary case conference offers the best opportunity for full discussion of the case before assignment of an FASD or other diagnosis (Fig 1).

    Phenocopies of FASD

    Clinicians should be aware that the facial phenotype of FAS, although most commonly associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, is also observed in a variety of genetic and teratogenic conditions (Table 4). Therefore, physicians should use a low threshold for ordering additional genetic testing of children with potential FASD. A chromosome microarray has been shown to be the highest-yield diagnostic test when a genetic phenocopy of FASD is being considered.77,78

    View this table:
    TABLE 4

    Genetic and Teratogenic Conditions to Be Considered in the Differential Diagnosis of FASD79⇓–81

    Discussion

    In the decade since the original operationalized IOM diagnostic criteria4 were published, extensive international research on the teratogenic effects of alcohol and the authors’ broad clinical experience have allowed for the development of further clarity and specificity in the diagnostic guidelines presented in this article. However, it should be noted that agreement on a universal diagnostic system for FASD is lacking among investigators in the field of FASD, especially concerning some of the features of the diagnostic guidelines set forth in Table 1. A discussion of the debated elements follows.

    Diagnostic Categories Within the Continuum of FASD

    It is the authors’ assertion that the 4 original IOM diagnostic categories3 within the continuum of FASD remain the most apt descriptors of the range of disabilities observed. These longstanding categories have heretofore been accepted by many of the diagnostic systems,4,8,9 and we see no need to introduce additional confusion into a field in which diagnostic consensus is critical. In addition, classification of individuals into 1 of the existing specific IOM categories allows for determination of prognosis and treatment planning. We also assert that the category of ARBDs, although uncommon, remains necessary, especially in epidemiologic studies.82,83 Our extensive database of alcohol-exposed children reveals many examples of affected children not fitting into 1 of the other categories who display 1 of the major malformations set forth in Table 1 and whose mothers binged during the embryonic stage critical to the developmental pathology of the malformation.

    It should be noted that the Canadian diagnostic guideline for FASD recently was updated, collapsing the diagnostic categories under the diagnosis of “fetal alcohol spectrum disorder” to 2: FASD with sentinel facial features and FASD without sentinel facial features.10 Whether this simplified diagnostic scheme will result in practical improvements in the clinical care of affected individuals and more accurate epidemiologic studies estimating the prevalence of FASD remains to be demonstrated.

    Sensitivity Versus Specificity in Clinical Diagnosis

    Similar to others, our goals in the formulation of FASD diagnostic guidelines have been improved sensitivity and greater inclusion of children in the complete continuum of FASD4,8; thus, we have set cutoff levels for growth deficiency, head circumference, and palpebral fissure length at ≤10th centile and required 2, rather than 3, cardinal facial features for a diagnosis of FAS and PFAS. Because we advocate for a structured expert-led multidisciplinary diagnostic approach to the diagnosis of FASD, casting a broad net early in the diagnostic process and later using the case conference to carefully assign diagnoses has been our standard. Other diagnostic systems advocate for more stringent cutoffs: growth deficiency, head circumference, and palpebral fissure length less than or equal to the third centile and requiring all 3 of the cardinal facial features for alcohol-related diagnoses.5,9,10 Sensitivity and specificity are 2 sides of a diagnostic coin. Theoretically, the guidelines presented here demonstrating increased sensitivity could lead to overdiagnosis; thus, our advocacy for a structured expert multidisciplinary approach. On the other hand, strict diagnostic cutoffs associated with increased specificity could lead to underdiagnosis of affected children. Children with FASD are subject to a host of societal, educational, health, and judicial problems, all of which are affected by the time of diagnosis.84,85 Because early diagnosis and initiation of intervention should be of paramount importance, the authors assert that improved, sensitive, and inclusive diagnostic criteria for FASD should continue to be imperatives in the diagnostic process.

    Deficient Brain Growth, Abnormal Morphogenesis, or Abnormal Neurophysiology

    In the updated criteria, we have added documentation of recurrent nonfebrile seizures to the potential assignment of children to the diagnostic categories of FAS or PFAS. A child with FAS must now exhibit deficient brain growth, structure, or neurophysiology. This modification was prompted by a growing body of research that indicates that epilepsy is a frequent accompaniment of FASD.86,87 More commonly observed in children with FASD, a small head circumference is a reliable, easily obtained proxy for decreased brain volume.88,89 Finally, a number of structural brain anomalies have been observed in imaging studies in animals and human subjects with FASD. Although no specific anatomic region of the brain is preferentially affected, malformations resulting from migration abnormalities, changes in size and shape of the corpus callosum, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, and hypoplasia of the basal ganglia and hippocampus have been documented.90,91

    The 4-digit diagnostic code5 assesses these features as “structural evidence of central nervous system damage,” and the updated Canadian guideline for diagnosis of FASD10 includes a similar category (abnormal neuroanatomy/neurophysiology) as 1 of the 10 central nervous system domains that may be impaired, although this category is not a universal part of other diagnostic systems.6⇓–8

    Other Minor Anomalies in Children With FASD

    In dysmorphology, clinical diagnoses are based on recognizable patterns of major and minor anomalies. Although the dysmorphology contribution to FASD diagnoses is derived from objective evaluation of the face, a number of other minor anomalies have been observed consistently and more commonly in children prenatally exposed to alcohol than in nonexposed controls.4,13,14,92,93 The clinical assessment of the presence or absence of these features should be part of the dysmorphology evaluation of children with potential FASD. The overall dysmorphic variation in any individual child can be quantified by calculation of a dysmorphology score (an updated dysmorphology scoring system based on objective observations of growth and minor anomalies in 370 children with FAS is presented in Table 5). The dysmorphology score allows for objective comparison among groups of children with FASD and has proven to be a valuable research tool. It is also a useful instrument to review as part of the differential diagnostic process when assessing features of genetic or other teratogenic disorders that may mimic FASD (Table 4). The score has been observed to correlate significantly with prenatal maternal alcohol intake, as well as with the cognitive and neurobehavioral characteristics of the affected child.26,94

    View this table:
    TABLE 5

    Revised Dysmorphology Scoring System (Based on Quantitative Analysis of Growth Restriction and Minor Anomalies in 370 Children With FAS)

    Specificity of Neurobehavioral Impairment

    The updated guidelines now require that all children assigned FASD diagnoses (with the exception of those with ARBD) must display neurobehavioral impairment (cognitive impairment or behavioral impairment without cognitive impairment). The original guidelines allowed for children with the requisite facial features, growth restriction, and/or microcephaly to be assigned an FASD diagnosis in the absence of significant neurobehavioral impairment. However, because neurocognitive impairment and abnormal behavior are the principal sources of disability in FASD, assignment of children with prenatal alcohol exposure into an FASD category without neurobehavioral impairment has no practical utility for either the child or the child’s family.

    The definition of neurobehavioral impairment in FASD has become more specific over the past decade.36,72⇓⇓⇓–76 The original 1996 IOM criteria and the 2005 guidelines defined neurobehavioral impairment as “evidence of a complex pattern of behavioral or cognitive abnormalities inconsistent with developmental level that cannot be explained by genetic predisposition, family background, or environment alone.”3,4 Although the 2005 criteria outlined areas of marked neurobehavioral impairment, levels of deficit and affected functional domains were not clearly articulated. The guidelines set forth in Table 1 clearly delineate domains of functioning to be assessed and levels of deficit to be reached to meet the diagnostic criteria for FAS, PFAS, and ARND.

    The domains of function outlined in the updated criteria encompass the following: (1) global intellectual ability (full-scale, verbal, performance, or spatial IQ), (2) cognition (executive functioning, learning, memory, and visual-spatial skills), (3) behavior and self-regulation (mood, behavioral regulation, attention, and impulse control), and (4) adaptive skills. These functional domains were selected based on the empirical evidence of deficits in children prenatally exposed to alcohol and/or who have been given a diagnosis of FASD.32,95⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–107

    For children >3 years of age, diagnoses of FAS or PFAS require evidence of global cognitive impairment (reflected in a deficit of ≥1.5 SDs below the mean on a measure of global intelligence [full-scale IQ score] or performance, verbal, or visual/spatial IQ) or evidence of behavioral deficit ≥1.5 SDs below the mean in ≥1 domain in impairments of self-regulation (mood or behavioral regulation impairment, attention deficit, or impulse control).

    A diagnosis of ARND can be made only if there is confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure and global cognitive impairment, reflected in a deficit of ≥1.5 SDs below the mean on a measure of global intelligence (full-scale IQ score) or performance, verbal, or visual/spatial IQ. If cognitive impairment is not present (often the case with individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol), cognitive deficits in at least 2 additional neurobehavioral domains (executive functioning, specific learning, memory, or visual-spatial) are required at ≥1.5 SDs below the mean. Additionally, the new guidelines provide for an ARND diagnosis based on behavioral impairment without cognitive impairment, as evidenced by deficits at ≥1.5 SDs below the mean in at least 2 behavioral domains: mood or behavioral regulation, attention deficit, or impulse control. Adaptive skills also should be assessed.108⇓–110 The adaptive scores can be used to assist with the diagnosis; however, specific cutoffs and adaptive behavior requirements are not included in the diagnostic criteria.

    For children who are ≤3 years of age, a diagnosis of FAS and PFAS can be made if there is evidence of developmental delay ≥1.5 SDs below the mean on a standardized measure of developmental trajectory. However, for ARND, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made before 3 years of age.

    The neurobehavioral criteria for diagnoses within the FASD continuum differ from those proposed by other investigators5,9,10 (our guidelines require: cutoffs of –1.5 SDs rather than –2 SDs, for neurobehavioral assessment and less stringent neurobehavioral criteria for those affected children who demonstrate the requisite dysmorphology allowing classification into the categories of FAS and PFAS). Our previously published data confirm that because the dysmorphology score has the highest correlation with confirmed diagnoses in the FASD continuum, confidence in an FAS or PFAS diagnosis can be ensured with impairment in fewer neurobehavioral domains.26,94

    Differentiation Between ARND and Neurobehavioral Disorder With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

    These updated criteria continue to include ARND as a necessary diagnostic category. With the introduction of Neurobehavioral Disorder with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition as a “condition in need of further study,”7 there has been significant confusion about the necessity of retaining both ARND and ND-PAE as diagnostic entities. To be clear, ARND is a complex medical diagnosis, best assigned as part of a multidisciplinary team evaluation for FASD. It has been widely applied in epidemiologic studies14,93 and in clinical settings and has been found to accurately describe the end of the continuum of FASD without dysmorphology.111,112 In contrast, ND-PAE is an experimental mental health diagnostic code that is intended to be used in clinical settings by clinicians from a variety of theoretical orientations, including psychiatrists (and other physicians), psychologists, social workers, nurses, occupational and rehabilitation therapists, and counselors. This code triggers payment for services related to the condition as well as helps individuals access needed interventions and treatments.113 According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, ND-PAE requires ≥1 deficits in neurocognition and in self-regulation plus ≥2 deficits in adaptive functioning (with at least 1 in communication or social communication and interaction).99,114 An ARND diagnosis can be made based on global cognitive deficits alone without the behavioral issues that fall into the psychiatric realm. ARND also can be diagnosed if there is evidence of behavioral deficits in at least 2 behavioral domains in the absence of cognitive deficits. Whether in the long run they will merge into a single entity will depend on further study and refinement of both ARND and ND-PAE as they are applied in practice.

    Future Directions

    The guidelines presented here are based on the most recent FASD research and clinical data. However, their accuracy will need to be reevaluated over time as their validity is more extensively assessed. Among areas in need of further study are the following: potential use of improved and more practical 3-dimensional photographic imaging as an accurate proxy for live facial anthropometric measurements115; improved noninvasive biomarkers for alcohol exposure throughout pregnancy and postnatally50⇓⇓⇓⇓–55; postnatal epigenetic markers as a proxy for documentation of prenatal maternal alcohol intake116⇓–118; improved definition of which fetal and postnatal growth patterns are most consistent with the teratogenic effects of alcohol; and a more precise definition of what constitutes minimal criteria for adverse fetal alcohol exposure during gestation. Finally, other diagnostic approaches to FASD that can be readily applied in resource-poor settings should be explored.

    Conclusions

    FASD continues to represent a pressing global public health challenge. The first step in addressing this dilemma is to recognize the magnitude of the problem through careful case definition. Since the authors’ diagnostic guidelines were published in 2005, considerable progress has been made in further specifying the anatomic and neurobehavioral characteristics of FASD. These updated guidelines reflect consensus among a large and experienced cadre of FASD investigators in the fields of dysmorphology, epidemiology, neurology, psychology, developmental/behavioral pediatrics, and educational diagnostics. They do not necessarily represent the policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The improved specificity of these guidelines will aid clinicians in assignment of more accurate diagnoses of alcohol-exposed infants and children, thereby leading to more widespread early intervention and improved prevention efforts.

    Footnotes

      • Accepted April 27, 2016.
    • Address correspondence to H. Eugene Hoyme, MD, Chief, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Sanford Health, PO Box 5039, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5039. E-mail: gene.hoyme{at}sanfordhealth.org

    • FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.

    • FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism grants R01 AA11685, RO1/UO1 AA01115134, and U01 AA019879-01/NIH-NIAAA (Collaboration on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevalence); and by the Oxnard Foundation, Newport Beach, CA. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

    • POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

    • The guidelines/recommendations in this article are not American Academy of Pediatrics policy, and publication herein does not imply endorsement.

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    In this issue

    Pediatrics
    Vol. 138, Issue 2
    1 Aug 2016
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    Updated Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
    H. Eugene Hoyme, Wendy O. Kalberg, Amy J. Elliott, Jason Blankenship, David Buckley, Anna-Susan Marais, Melanie A. Manning, Luther K. Robinson, Margaret P. Adam, Omar Abdul-Rahman, Tamison Jewett, Claire D. Coles, Christina Chambers, Kenneth L. Jones, Colleen M. Adnams, Prachi E. Shah, Edward P. Riley, Michael E. Charness, Kenneth R. Warren, Philip A. May
    Pediatrics Aug 2016, 138 (2) e20154256; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4256
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