Consecuencias de la exposición prenatal al alcohol: desarrollo histórico de la investigación y evolución de las recomendaciones

摘要

Objective: Several studies point to a lack of information together with greater demand from healthcare providers regarding the characteristics of disorders associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol, and ways to prevent them. This paper is aimed at prompting reflection on the most relevant aspects that need to be considered in the detection and management of alcohol use during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The following questions may be answered from a review of the historical evolution of the research related to disorders associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol: 1. Which are the current diagnostic criteria of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? 2. What is the prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other FASD? 3. How have international recommendations on alcohol use during pregnancy evolved? 4. What are the current prevention strategies? An extensive review of the international published research is conducted for this purpose. Results: Modern research on the topic reveals that prenatal exposure to alcohol may give rise to a wide spectrum of problems. The difficulty in establishing a safe dose of alcohol during pregnancy has resulted in a progressive revision of the recommendations regarding alcohol use during this period, ranging from moderate use to abstinence. Conclusion: The impact and size of this problem require the development of specific preventive strategies. Their implementation requires continuous training of practitioners charged with providing periconceptional and perinatal care.