Causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome

List of causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome) that could possibly cause Fetal alcohol syndrome includes:

• Prenatal alcohol exposure
• Alcoholism - in the mother
• Female reproductive toxicity - Alcohol - fetal alcohol syndrome
• Pregnancy - fetal alcohol syndrome

More causes: see full list of causes for Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Fetal alcohol syndrome as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Fetal alcohol syndrome. Our database lists the following as having Fetal alcohol syndrome as a complication of that condition:

• Alcoholism
• Pregnancy

Fetal alcohol syndrome as a symptom:

Conditions listing Fetal alcohol syndrome as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome. Our database lists the following as having Fetal alcohol syndrome as a symptom of that condition:

• Female reproductive toxicity - Alcohol

Medical news summaries relating to Fetal alcohol syndrome:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome:

• Fetal alcohol syndrome needs to be diagnosed and treated
• Fetal alcohol syndrome, common yet ignored
• More news »

Related information on causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome may be found in:

• Risk factors for Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Genetics of Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Hidden causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome

Causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Fetal alcohol syndrome.

Alcohol-related disorder: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Numerous biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors appear to be involved in alcohol addiction. An offspring of one parent with alcohol-related disorder is seven to eight times more likely to become an alcoholic than is a peer without such a parent. Biological factors may include genetic or biochemical abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine imbalances, and allergic responses.

Psychological factors may include the urge to drink alcohol to reduce anxiety or symptoms of mental illness; the desire to avoid responsibility in familial, social, and work relationships; and the need to bolster self-esteem.

Sociocultural factors include the availability of alcoholic beverages, group or peer pressure, an excessively stressful lifestyle, and social attitudes that approve of frequent drinking.

More than 15% of American adults have a problem with alcohol use, and about 5% to 10% of male and 3% to 5% of female drinkers are alcohol dependent, accounting for about 12.5 million people. Alcohol-related disorder cuts across all social and economic groups, involves both sexes, and occurs at all stages of the life cycle, beginning as early as elementary school.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Cesarean birth: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The most common reasons for cesarean birth are malpresentation (such as shoulder or face presentation), fetal intolerance of labor distress, cephalopelvic disproportion ([CPD] the pelvis is too small to accommodate the fetal head), certain cases of toxemia, previous cesarean birth, and inadequate progress in labor (failure of induction).

Conditions causing fetal distress that indicate a need for cesarean birth include prolapsed cord with a live fetus, fetal hypoxia, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, unfavorable intrauterine environment (from infection), and moderate to severe Rh isoimmunization. Less common maternal conditions that may necessitate cesarean birth include complete placenta previa, abruptio placentae, placenta accreta, malignant tumors, and chronic diseases in which delivery is indicated before term.

Cesarean birth may also be necessary if induction is contraindicated or difficult or if advanced labor increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.

In the case of a previous cesarean delivery, some physicians allow a subsequent vaginal delivery if the cesarean wasn’t classic or if the original reason for the cesarean no longer exists. However, vaginal delivery risks uterine rupture if the uterus is scarred.

The rising incidence of cesarean birth coincides with recent medical and technologic advances in fetal and placental surveillance and care. In the United States, 9% to 16% of all pregnancies terminate in cesarean births, rising to 17% to 25% in perinatal centers that handle high-risk deliveries.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Cholelithiasis and related disorders: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Cholelithiasis, stones or calculi (gallstones) in the gallbladder, results from changes in bile components. Gallstones are made of cholesterol, calcium bilirubinate, or a mixture of cholesterol and bilirubin pigment. They arise during periods of sluggishness in the gallbladder due to pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and pancreatitis. Cholelithiasis is a common health problem, affecting about 1 out of every 1,000 people. The prognosis is usually good with treatment unless infection occurs, in which case the prognosis depends on its severity and response to antibiotics.

One out of every 10 patients with gallstones develops choledocholithiasis, or gallstones in the common bile duct (sometimes called “common duct stones”). This occurs when stones passed out of the gallbladder lodge in the hepatic and common bile ducts and obstruct the flow of bile into the duodenum. Prognosis is good unless infection occurs.

Cholangitis, infection of the bile duct, is commonly associated with choledocholithiasis and may follow percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or occlusion of endoscopic stents. Predisposing factors may include bacterial or metabolic alteration of bile acids. Widespread inflammation may cause fibrosis and stenosis of the common bile duct. The prognosis for this rare condition is poor without stenting or surgery.

Cholecystitis, acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, is usually associated with a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct, causing painful distention of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis accounts for 10% to 25% of all patients requiring gallbladder surgery. The acute form is most common during middle age; the chronic form usually occurs among elderly patients. The prognosis is good with treatment.

Cholesterolosis, polyps or crystal deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder’s submucosa, may result from bile secretions containing high concentrations of cholesterol and insufficient bile salts. The polyps may be localized or speckle the entire gallbladder. Cholesterolosis, the most common pseudotumor, isn’t related to widespread inflammation of the mucosa or lining of the gallbladder. The prognosis is good with surgery.

Biliary cirrhosis, ascending infection of the biliary system, sometimes follows viral destruction of liver and duct cells, but the primary cause is unknown. This condition usually leads to obstructive jaundice and involves the portal and periportal spaces of the liver. It’s nine times more common among women ages 40 to 60 than among men. The prognosis is poor without liver transplantation.

Gallstone ileus results from a gallstone lodging at the terminal ileum; it’s more common in the elderly. The prognosis is good with surgery.

Postcholecystectomy syndrome commonly results from residual gallstones or stricture of the common bile duct. It occurs in 1% to 5% of all patients whose gallbladders have been surgically removed and may produce right upper quadrant abdominal pain, biliary colic, fatty food intolerance, dyspepsia, and indigestion. The prognosis is good with selected radiologic procedures, endoscopic procedures, or surgery.

Acalculous cholecystitis is more common in critically ill patients, accounting for about 5% of cholecystitis cases. It may result from primary infection with such organisms as Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, or Clostridium or from obstruction of the cystic duct due to lymphadenopathy or a tumor. It appears that ischemia, usually related to a low cardiac output, also has a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Signs and symptoms of acalculous cholecystitis include unexplained sepsis, right upper quadrant pain, fever, leukocytosis, and a palpable gallbladder.

Each of these disorders produces its own set of complications. Cholelithiasis may lead to any of the disorders associated with gallstone formation: cholangitis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and gallstone ileus. Cholecystitis can progress to gallbladder complications, such as empyema, hydrops or mucocele, or gangrene. Gangrene may lead to perforation, resulting in peritonitis, fistula formation, pancreatitis, limy bile, and porcelain gallbladder. Other complications include chronic cholecystitis and cholangitis.

Choledocholithiasis may lead to cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Cholangitis, especially in the suppurative form, may progress to septic shock and death. Gallstone ileus may cause bowel obstruction, which can lead to intestinal perforation, peritonitis, septicemia, secondary infection, and septic shock.

In most cases, gallbladder and bile duct diseases occur in people who are older than age 40 and are more prevalent in women and Native Americans.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Alcoholism: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Numerous biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors appear to be involved in alcohol addiction. An offspring of one alcoholic parent is seven to eight times more likely to become an alcoholic than is a peer without an alcoholic parent. Biological factors include genetic and biochemical abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine imbalances, and allergic responses.

Psychological factors include the urge to drink alcohol to reduce anxiety or symptoms of mental illness; the desire to avoid responsibility in family, social, and work relationships; and the need to bolster self-esteem.

Sociocultural factors include the availability of alcoholic beverages, peer pressure, an excessively stressful lifestyle, and social attitudes that approve of frequent drinking.

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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and related disorders: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The origin and frequency of gallbladder and biliary tract disease vary with the particular disorder.

Cholelithiasis

The presence of stones or calculi (gallstones) in the gallbladder results from changes in bile components. Gallstones are made of cholesterol, calcium bilirubinate, or a mixture of cholesterol and bilirubin pigment. They arise during periods of sluggishness in the gallbladder resulting from pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, obesity, and rapid weight loss.

Cholelithiasis is the fifth leading cause of hospitalization among adults and accounts for 90% of all gallbladder and duct diseases. The prognosis is usually good with treatment unless infection occurs, in which case the prognosis depends on the infection’s severity and response to antibiotics.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis, an acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, is usually associated with a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct; the inflammation develops behind the obstruction. Cholecystitis accounts for 10% to 25% of all patients requiring gallbladder surgery.

The acute form is most common during middle age; the chronic form, among elderly people. The prognosis is good with treatment.

Biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the liver characterized by autoimmune destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts and cholestasis. This condition usually leads to obstructive jaundice and pruritus and involves the portal and periportal spaces of the liver. It affects women between the ages of 40 and 60 nine times more often than men. The prognosis is poor without liver transplantation.

Cholangitis

An infection of the bile duct, cholangitis is commonly associated with choledocholithiasis and may follow percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Predisposing factors include bacterial or metabolic alteration of bile acids. Widespread inflammation may cause fibrosis and stenosis of the common bile duct. The prognosis for this rare condition is poor without stenting or surgery.

Choledocholithiasis

One out of every 10 patients with gallstones develops choledocholithiasis, or gallstones in the common bile duct (sometimes called common duct stones). This occurs when stones passed out of the gallbladder lodge in the hepatic and common bile ducts and obstruct the flow of bile into the duodenum. The prognosis is good unless infection occurs.

Cholesterolosis

Cholesterol polyps or cholesterol crystal deposits in the gallbladder’s submucosa may result from bile secretions containing high concentrations of cholesterol and insufficient bile salts. The polyps may be localized or may speckle the entire gallbladder. Cholesterolosis, the most common pseudotumor, isn’t related to widespread inflammation of the mucosa or lining of the gallbladder. The prognosis is good with surgery.

Gallstone ileus

Gallstone ileus results from a gallstone lodging in the terminal ileum. It’s more common in elderly people. The prognosis is good with surgery.

Postcholecystectomy syndrome

Postcholecystectomy syndrome commonly results from retained or recurrent common bile duct stones, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, functional bowel disorder, technical errors, or mistaken diagnoses. It occurs in 1% to 5% of all patients whose gallbladders have been surgically removed and may produce right upper quadrant abdominal pain, biliary colic, fatty food intolerance, dyspepsia, and indigestion. The prognosis is good with selected radiologic procedures, endoscopic procedures, or surgery.

Complications

Each disorder produces its own set of complications. Cholelithiasis may lead to any of the disorders associated with gallstone formation: cholangitis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, or gallstone ileus.

Cholecystitis can progress to gallbladder complications, such as empyema, hydrops or mucocele, or gangrene. Gangrene may lead to perforation, resulting in peritonitis, fistula formation, pancreatitis, limy bile, and porcelain gallbladder. Other complications include chronic cholecystitis and cholangitis.

Choledocholithiasis may lead to cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Cholangitis, especially in the suppurative form, may progress to septic shock and death. Gallstone ileus may cause bowel obstruction, which can lead to intestinal perforation, peritonitis, septicemia, secondary infection, and septic shock.

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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Toxic Alcohols: Toxic Alcohols - risk factors
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

Toxicity via dermal absorption rarely occurs in infants or young children with permeable skin.

Toxic Alcohols - pathophysiology

• All toxic alcohols have direct effects as intoxicants. More importantly, ethylene glycol and methanol are metabolized to toxic by-products that result in severe morbidity or mortality.
• All toxic alcohols may result in altered mental status or coma similar to ethanol. CNS depression may result in respiratory depression requiring ventilatory support.
• Ethylene glycol is metabolized to oxalic acid and glycolic acid, ultimately forming calcium oxylate crystals, which may precipitate in the renal tubules and cause renal failure.
• Methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde and then formic acid, which may damage the retina and cause visual impairment or blindness.
• The metabolism of ethylene glycol and methanol to their toxic metabolites may be prevented by competitively inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase with either fomepizole or ethanol.
• Therapy to inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase is used for ethylene glycol and methanol exposure.
• Isopropyl alcohol is metabolized to acetone.
• Inhalational absorption of isopropyl alcohol may rarely occur.

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Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008