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CC BY 4.0 · Neuropediatrics 2025; 56(03): 160-171
DOI: 10.1055/a-2547-4610
DOI: 10.1055/a-2547-4610
Original Article
First Evidence-Based Guideline for Interventions in FASD
Funding The project on which this publication is based was funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss—G-BA, funding code 01VSF21012). The funding did not influence the development and content of the guideline in any way.
Abstract
Background
Prenatal alcohol exposure causes disruptions in brain development. The resulting disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), cannot be cured, but interventions can help improve the daily functioning of affected children and adolescents and the quality of life for the entire family.
Objective
The aim of the German guideline version 2024 is to provide validated and evidence-based recommendations on interventions for children and adolescents with FASD.
Methods
We searched for international guidelines and performed a systematic literature review and a hand search to identify literature (published 2012–2022) on interventions for children (0–18 years) with FASD. The quality of the literature was assessed for predefined outcomes using the GRADE method (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation). We established a multidisciplinary guideline group, consisting of 15 professional societies, a patient support group, and 10 additional experts in the field. The group agreed on recommendations for interventions based on the systematic review of the literature and formulated additional recommendations, based on clinical experience/expert evidence in a formal consensus process.
Results
No international guideline focusing on interventions for patients with FASD was found. Thirty-two publications (4 systematic reviews and 28 original articles) were evaluated. The analysis resulted in 21 evidence-based recommendations and 26 expert consensus, covering the following topics: neuropsychological functioning, adverse effects of therapy, complications/secondary conditions, quality of life, caregiver burden, knowledge of FASD, and coping and self-efficacy.
Conclusion
The German guideline is the first internationally to provide evidence-based recommendations for interventions in children and adolescents with FASD.
Keywords
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - fetal alcohol syndrome - alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorderPublication History
Received: 17 December 2024
Accepted: 18 February 2025
Accepted Manuscript online:
27 February 2025
Article published online:
19 March 2025
© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
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