Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Icd-10 Classification Explained

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition that occurs when a fetus is exposed to ethanol in utero, resulting in irreversible birth defects and abnormalities in physical, mental, and behavioral development. The syndrome is characterized by facial abnormalities, growth problems, nervous system abnormalities, and behavioral issues. It is listed in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) under code Q86.0 as Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic). The ICD-10-CM coding system includes categories such as primary diagnoses, facial features, development, physical and neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and secondary diagnoses to accurately capture the diverse manifestations of FAS. The code P04.3, Newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol, is also relevant in the context of FAS, but it specifically refers to the newborn affected by maternal alcohol consumption rather than the syndrome itself.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is listed in the ICD-10 as Q86.0

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is indeed listed in the ICD-10 as Q86.0. This code is used to indicate a diagnosis of FAS, which is a condition that occurs when a fetus or newborn is exposed to ethanol in utero due to the mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The ICD-10-CM code for FAS is specifically used for billing and reimbursement purposes, with the 2025 edition of the code having come into effect on October 1, 2024. It is important to note that this code is specific to the American ICD-10-CM version, and other international versions may differ.

FAS is characterised by irreversible birth defects and a range of abnormalities in physical, mental, and behavioural development. These can include low birth weight, growth deficiencies, developmental defects, organ dysfunction, mental deficiencies, behavioural problems, and poor motor coordination. The syndrome can also result in facial abnormalities, such as wide-set and narrow eyes, and a flattened nasal bridge.

FAS is considered the most serious type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASDs last a lifetime and have no cure. However, treatments can help manage the symptoms, including medicines and behaviour therapy.

FAS is a congenital malformation syndrome due to known exogenous causes

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a congenital malformation syndrome that can occur when a mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy. It is a known exogenous cause, which means that it is caused by a substance transmitted to the fetus via the placenta or breast milk. This results in what is known as in utero ethanol exposure.

The effects of FAS can vary in severity, but they are irreversible and last a lifetime. The syndrome is characterised by a cluster of birth defects, including physical abnormalities such as facial dysmorphia, growth problems, and nervous system abnormalities. Individuals with FAS may also experience mental deficiencies, behavioural problems, and poor motor coordination.

FAS is the most serious type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It is a recognised condition in the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification) with the diagnostic code Q86.0: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (dysmorphic). This classification falls under the category of "Congenital malformation syndromes due to known exogenous causes, not elsewhere classified."

The effects of alcohol on the fetus can occur at any stage during pregnancy, even in the earliest stages before a woman knows she is pregnant. It is important to note that there is currently no cure for FASDs, and treatments vary depending on the individual. These may include medications to manage symptoms and behavioural therapy.

It is characterised by irreversible birth defects and abnormalities in physical, mental, and behavioural development

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a permanent condition that occurs when a woman consumes any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It is the most severe type of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FAS is characterised by irreversible birth defects and abnormalities in physical, mental, and behavioural development, which can vary in severity.

Physical abnormalities associated with FAS include abnormal facial features, such as wide-set and narrow eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip). These facial abnormalities are characteristic of FAS and can be used to help diagnose the condition. In addition to facial abnormalities, FAS can also cause growth problems, including low birth weight and small head circumference (microcephaly).

Mental and behavioural abnormalities associated with FAS include intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, attention deficits, disruptive behaviour disorders, and problems with social interaction. Individuals with FAS may struggle with daily life skills such as feeding and bathing, and may have issues with memory and thinking. Behavioural problems can include severe tantrums and irritability.

The effects of FAS are irreversible and last a lifetime. While there is no cure for FAS, treatments can help manage the symptoms. These treatments include medications and behaviour therapy, tailored to the specific needs of the individual. FAS is a preventable condition, and the only way to prevent it is to avoid consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

Common abnormalities include growth deficiency, altered morphogenesis, facial abnormalities, and nervous system abnormalities

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy. It is characterised by a range of irreversible birth defects, including growth deficiency, altered morphogenesis, facial abnormalities, and nervous system abnormalities. These abnormalities can vary in severity and may include additional oral, ocular, cardiac, urogenital, and cutaneous abnormalities.

Growth deficiencies are a common feature of FAS, with infants often presenting with low birth weight and failure to thrive. As they grow older, children with FAS may continue to experience growth problems, resulting in short stature. Additionally, FAS can cause prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, further contributing to the overall growth deficiency associated with the condition.

Altered morphogenesis in FAS primarily affects the midline of the face, altering the morphology of the eyes, nose, and lips. Facial abnormalities associated with FAS include wide-set and narrow eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (philtrum). These minor midline abnormalities are caused by ethanol damage to cranial neural crest cells during early embryonic development.

FAS also affects the central nervous system, resulting in problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, and hearing. Individuals with FAS may exhibit hyperactivity, poor coordination, poor reasoning and judgment skills, and poor school performance. The nervous system abnormalities associated with FAS can range from small head size to behavioural problems and mental deficiencies.

The effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), including FAS, are lifelong and irreversible. While there is no cure, treatments such as medications and behaviour therapy can help manage the symptoms. Diagnosing FASDs can be challenging due to the lack of specific medical tests, and individuals with FASDs may present with varying symptoms and severity.

FAS is the most serious type of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a permanent condition that occurs when a woman consumes any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol consumed during pregnancy can interfere with the baby's development, causing physical and mental defects. FAS is the most severe condition within a group of conditions called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). FASDs refer to a group of signs and symptoms that occur on a scale from least to most severe effects. FASDs can cause a mix of medical, behavioural, educational, and social problems.

FASDs can lead to abnormal facial features, such as wide-set and narrow eyes, a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, microcephaly, maxillary hypoplasia, short palpebral fissures, and a short upturned nose. In addition, growth problems, nervous system abnormalities, developmental defects, organ dysfunction, mental deficiencies, behavioural problems, and poor motor coordination may be present.

The specific symptoms of FAS include changes to facial features, growth deficiencies, delayed intellectual development, motor retardation, joint abnormalities, and poor coordination. People with FAS may also experience irritability and have difficulty with daily tasks like feeding and bathing.

There is no cure for FASDs, and the conditions last a lifetime. However, treatments can help manage the symptoms. These include medications to address specific symptoms and behaviour therapy. It is important to note that no single treatment is suitable for every child with FASDs. Preventing FASDs involves abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Even small amounts of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus.

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