Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Qualifying Practice Exam

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy and is characterized by a specific set of developmental issues. One of the hallmarks of FAS includes facial dysmorphia, which encompasses distinctive facial features such as a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, and small palpebral fissures. Intellectual disabilities are also commonly observed in individuals with FAS due to the neurodevelopmental impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Additionally, cardiac anomalies are often seen in patients with FAS. Congenital heart defects can be associated with FAS due to the teratogenic effects of alcohol, which can disrupt normal development during critical periods of gestation.

On the other hand, neural tube defects are mainly attributed to deficiencies in folic acid during early pregnancy, rather than the teratogenic effects of alcohol. While both FAS and neural tube defects are significant public health concerns, they stem from different etiological factors. Hence, neural tube defects are not considered a characteristic finding in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

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