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FASD in Canada
The exact prevalence of FAS/atypical FAS is unknown. Abel estimated the overall incidence of FAS at 0.97/1000 (0.097%) live births and 43/1000 (4.3%) among babies of heavy drinkers. More recently, on the basis of three population studies, Sampson et al estimated the incidence of FAS to be between 2.8/1000 and 4.8/1000 live births, and the incidence of a combination of FAS and ARND to be at least 9.1/1000 live births. Although all races are susceptible, FAS is disproportionately higher among American Indian offspring.
There is increasing awareness of the extent of FAS and atypical FAS in native communities in Canada (8), especially the relationship of these conditions with developmental delay and difficulty in learning. The few studies available suggest a very high incidence among Canadian Aboriginal people. Robinson et al identified 22 (16%) of 116 children as having FAS in one Aboriginal community in British Columbia. A report by MacDonald in 1991 suggested a rate of FAS in British Columbia of 3.3/1000 children and a rate of atypical FAS of up to five times as high if older children with the syndrome were included. Based on 42,909 births per year in 1998 (13), this predicted number of infants suggests that at least 142 infants are born with FAS and 710 infants are born with partial FAS per year in British Columbia. In northern Manitoba, based on physical findings at birth, Williams et al estimated the incidence of FAS to be 7.2/1000 children, but suggested a number of cases may have been missed. FAS in newborns tends to be under-recognized.
More information is available from :
The Canadian Paediatric Society www.cps.ca
The National Organisation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome www.nofas.org