Visual and ocular findings in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD): validating the FASD Eye Code in a clinical setting

• ObjectiveFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term covering a spectrum of medical conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The FASD Eye Code is a new complementary ophthalmological diagnostic tool created to corroborate the complex FASD diagnosis. The aim of this work was to validate the FASD Eye Code by testing it on a second group of children diagnosed with FASD in a clinical setting.Methods and analysisA clinical study was carried out in a group of 21 children (13 males, 8 females, mean age 13.3 years) investigated for suspected FASD and a healthy sex-matched and age-matched control group (n=21). The participants underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination including visual perception problems (VPPs) assessment. Clinical examination results were compiled, and total scores were calculated according to the FASD Eye Code protocol (range 4-16).ResultsThe median total score in the FASD group was 8. Eight individuals in the FASD group and none of the controls obtained a total score of >= 9 corresponding to 38% sensitivity and 100% specificity with an area under the curve of 0.90. A cut-off total score of >= 8 showed 52% sensitivity and 95% specificity. One individual in the FASD group versus 12 controls had a total score of 4, representing normal findings. No significant difference between the two groups regarding VPPs was seen.ConclusionThe FASD Eye Code can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool for FASD to assist in diagnosis and to detect ophthalmological abnormalities in individuals with suspected FASD.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oftalmologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Ophthalmology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Diagnostic tests

Investigation

Optic Nerve

Optics and Refraction

Vision

Child health (paediatrics)

Diagnostic tests

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)