27- Teratogens Flashcards
Define Teratogens
An agent that can cause abnormalities in the form or function of a developing fetus
What maternal illnesses may cause birth defects?
DM
PKU
What chemical agents act as teratogens?
Lead
Mercury
What effects are produced by lead?
High plasma lead levels are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects in infants and children. Intrauterine exposure may have similar consequences.
What are the teratogenic effects of Folic acid antagonists?
neural tube defects [increased risk]
cardiovascular defects [possible]
oral clefts [possible]
urinary tract defects [possible]
What are some examples of folic acid antagonists
trimethoprim triamterene carbamazepine phenytoin phenobarbital primidone methotrexate
What are the teratogenic effects of oral isotretinoin?
microtia with or without atresia of the ear canal central nervous system malformations hydrocephalus neuronal brain migration defects cerebellum abnormalities severe intellectual disability seizures optic nerve/retinal abnormalities conotruncal heart defects thymic defects dysmorphic features
What are the birth defects associated with statin use?
Limb malformations
Congenital heart disease
CNS abnormalities
How do statins cause birth defects?
Disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis, which is important in cell membrane morphogenesis
How can smoking while pregnant cause birth defects?
Vasoactive effects of cigarette compounds on blood vessels may cause failure or disruption in formation of limb or digits
What developing systems may be affected by smoking?
MSK [limbs/digit] Endocrine Reproductive Respiratory Cardiovascular Neurologic
Smoking and Placenta
Cigarette smoking is associated with poor fetal growth mostly due to effects on the placenta.
What are the effects of substantial alcohol use on the growing fetus?
Cause neurobehavoiral disorders
What syndromes are caused by subtstantial alcohol use?
prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE)
alcohol- related birth defects (ARBD)
fetal alcohol syndrome
What are some common teratogenic medications?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Anticonvulsant agents Antineoplastic agents Thalidomide methylene blue misoprostol penicillamine fluconazole lithium
