Page 23 - Analityka 3/2016

Pregnant woman and alcohol – Praktyka
toxic relationship

NEONATAL MECONIUM AS MATRIX FOR CONFIRMATION OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
DURING PREGNANCY

Each dose of consumed alcohol by pregnant woman may cause abortion, pre-term birth, pathology of placenta,
intrauterine growth restriction and the occurrence of many of birth defects caused by alcohol, commonly referred
to Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders – FASD. They can result in mental and/or physical disorders. Current methods
for diagnostic of FASD is based on medicinal interview with mother about consumption of alcohol during preg-
nancy but it is very difficult because many of women do not specify the quantities of alcoholic beverages con-
sumed. Due to this, it is impossible to confirm the occurrence of FASD what does not allow to introduce proper
therapy. Current researches are focused on determination of alcohol biomarkers in meconium, which presence
may indicate on alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In meconium fatty acid ethyl esters, ethyl glucuronide
and ethyl sulfate were detected. However, the results obtained by different researchers are unclear and cut-off
values have not been established yet.

ANALITYKA – NUMER 3, ROK (XVII) 2016 53