Meconium Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters as Biomarkers of Late Gestational Ethanol Exposure and Indicator of Ethanol-Induced Multi-Organ Injury in Fetal Sheep

Abstract

We conclude that, in fetal sheep, meconium FAEE could serve as a biomarker of daily ethanol exposure in late gestation and could identify fetuses with subtle ethanol-induced toxic effects in various organs. This study illustrates the potential for using meconium FAEE to identify neonates at risk for dysfunction of major organs following in-utero ethanol exposure that does not result in overt physical signs of ethanol teratogenicity.