Fetal alcohol syndrome : diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment /

In this study (mandated by the US Congress) of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and related birth defects, a committee of medical and other specialists was charged with improving the understanding of available research knowledge and experience on diagnosing FAS, its prevalence in the general population, the effectiveness of surveillance systems, and the availability and effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs. Reflecting the committee authorship of the report, it is characterized by compromise and extreme caution. It is as if liability lawyers oversaw not only all discussions but also all the writing; e.g., reported is the very important fact that light and moderate pregnant drinkers virtually always dramatically decrease or cease the consumption of alcohol during their pregnancy, while pregnant heavy drinkers generally do not. However, the significance of this finding is virtually ignored, as are its possible policy, educational, therapeutic, and other implications. In spite of its inherently political nature, the report is recommended for libraries serving medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, public health, and related health professions. Graduates; faculty. D. J. Hanson SUNY College at Potsdam