Which neonatal feature is commonly used to identify fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Flat nasal bridge.
• B. Macroglossia.
• C. Low birth weight.
• D. Wide-set eyes.

Answer: (A)

When a state of fetal alcohol syndrome is suspected, clinicians look for signs that reflect disrupted facial development and overall growth from alcohol exposure in utero. A flat nasal bridge is a facial feature that often stands out in affected newborns, signaling midface hypoplasia caused by prenatal alcohol effects. This nasal bridge change is one of the recognizable clues used to identify FAS alongside other facial characteristics like a smooth philtrum and a thin upper lip, which together help differentiate FAS from other conditions.

Low birth weight can occur with FAS due to growth restriction, but it isn’t as specific to the syndrome and can accompany many other issues. Macroglossia is not a typical feature of FAS, and wide-set eyes are not a characteristic finding in this condition. So, among the neonatal signs listed, the flat nasal bridge best aligns with the pattern of FAS-related facial dysmorphology that clinicians use to identify the syndrome.