The use of fatty acid ethyl esters in neonatal hair as biomarkers for in utero alcohol exposure.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 96
Description: The objective of this experimental study was to assess the utility of using fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in neonatal hair to objectively identify prenatal ethanol exposure. Measurable levels of FAEE were found in hair taken from prehistoric hair samples, suggesting that FAEE are highly stable within the hair matrix. We have confirmed for the first time that chronic exposure to alcohol leads to significantly increased levels of FAEE in both maternal and neonatal hair in guinea pigs (P &le; 0.05). Independent of active alcohol consumption, low levels of total FAEE were detected in 46% of our baseline cohort (n = 61), with a mean cumulative FAEE level of 0.315 +/- 0.651 pmol/mg in neonatal hair. Results of this study suggest that FAEE in neonatal hair may be useful biomarkers in identifying in utero alcohol exposure and may facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Notes: Adviser:  Gideon Koren.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0831.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).