Abstract
The fetal effects of alcohol are known; yet, no reliable marker of fetal exposure to alcohol has been identified. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are enzymatic, non-oxidative products of in vivo ethanol metabolism, have long half life and are markers of ethanol consumption in the adult. We report on the identification of FAEE in meconium of alcohol exposed infants at concentrations proportional to the amount of maternal alcohol use.
Preliminary studies to determine the optimum method for extraction and isolation of FAEE in meconium were done. FAEE standards (ethyl palmitate and stearate) were spiked into meconium and extracted by acetone or hexanerwater and isolated by TLC or bonded phase column. Detection was by GC/MS. Optimum FAEE extraction and chromatogram were achieved using the hexane:water/bonded phase column combination. With this method, meconium was analyzed for FAEE in 10 control and 15 alcohol exposed infants. In the latter, FAEE concentrations were multifold higher than control and with a wide range, proportional to the amount of maternal alcohol uae (see table).
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mac, E., Pacis, M., Garcia, G. et al. 184 A MARKER OF FETAL EXPOSURE TO ALCOHOL BY MECONIUM ANALYSIS. Pediatr Res 36, 33 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00184
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00184
