Embryological anomalies Flashcards
What is the most common birth defect?
Congenital heart defect
How many people does a congenital heart defect affect?
6 in 1000
What are teratogens?
Drugs or other substances that can result in structural or functional abnormality or in utero death
What are the possible effects of teratogens?
Death Learning difficulties Sensory deficit Structural abnormalities Cancer Intrauterine growth restriction or growth defect Neurodevelopmental/behavioural dysfunction Developmental delay
When is the greatest risk of structural defects?
weeks 3-11 when organogenesis is occuring
What defects are more common from 12 weeks onwards?
Functional or growth defects
What are some drugs that are known teratogens?
Alcohol Roaccutane Isotrenitoin Phenytoin Warfarin Lithium
What infections are known to be teratogenic?
Rubella Toxoplasmosis Chlamydia CMV Listeriosis Paravirus B19 (slap cheek) Gonorrhoea Syphilis Varicella
What does rubella during pregnancy cause?
Congenital rubella syndrome
What are the defects in congenital rubella syndrome?
Sensorineural deafness
Eye abnormalities- retinopathy, cataracts, micropthalmia
Congenital heart disease- pulmonary artery stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus
What can varicella in pregnancy cause?
Limb hypoplasia
Skin scarring
Eye defects
When is the greatest risk of a baby being affected by varicella?
2nd trimester
What are the common causes of cardiac defects?
Drugs e.g. warfarin
Infection
Genetic
What can opiates cause to the baby in labour?
Resp distress
When is preconception counselling essential?
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Women with congenital anomalies
Women on anticoagulants or antihypertensives
