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What Causes Symptoms Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Question: Hello Dr. XXXXXXX

I'm writing in reference to my 3 month old. Prior to finding out i was pregnant, i was drinking very heavily due to various issues. Ive also struggled with alcoholism. I found out i was pregnant around 8 weeks. I have read into every single issues that can be caused by alcohol to a fetus. Im worried sick about her and whether or not she fetal alcohol syndrome. She has been to her pedi 4 times since birth and i have explained my concerns with him. He has told me really all we can do is wait. Would you please view her photos and let me know what you think? I believe She has epicanthic folds. I have read into every single possible underlying reason for having them and have pretty much brought myself into a panic about her appearance. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could you please repost the images...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,

Thanks for posting the query. I do understand your concern. I'll be glad to help you this query of yours.

I'm sorry! I'm unable to view the images on my dashboard. Could you please repost them again to YYYY@YYYY with "Attention to Dr. Naveen Kumar N, ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon".

Awaiting for your reply...

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Normal kid with normal infantile epicanthal folds

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,

Welcome back

Please stop worrying. Your little XXXXXXX looks perfectly normal. The lower eyelids and the medial epicanthal folds are perfectly normal. The medial epicanthal folds appear prominent because of the low nasal bridge. As the nose grows, the medial epicanthal folds will be pulled more anteriorly thus reducing the over hanging.

Secondly, the cornea of the infants and that of the adults are of the same size, while the sclera is of infantile size. Hence, due to the deposition of fat in the lower eyelids it appears as if it is folded, and the epicantal folds gets more prominent, but, it is perfectly normal.

Thirdly, the philtrum will be flat in the kids of fetal alcoholic syndrome (FAS). But, your kid has a normal philtrum.

Finally, the shape of the head appears to be spherical, unlike in the FAS the vertex is somewhat oval in shape.

Please relax! there are no signs on your kids face or head which points towards FAS.

Hope I have answered your queries; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj