Embryology 3

Question 1

What is a teratogen

Answer 1

substances that cause or increase the risk of birth defects

Question 2

Name 2 physical (environmental) teratogens

Answer 2

ionising radiation
hyperthermia (excess heat) etc

Question 3

Name 2 chemical teratogens

Answer 3

alcohol, cigarette smoke,
Medical drugs inc anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, thyroid meds, thalidamide, hormones, some antibiotics, antiepileptic,
isotretinoin (an acne drug)
cocaine. vit A (high dose)
lithium, chemotherapy etc

Question 4

Name 2 infectious teratogens

Answer 4

rubella, CMV, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma etc

Question 5

What maternal metabolic conditions are teratogenic

Answer 5

uncontrolled diabetes, phenylketonuria, thyroid disease
etc

Question 6

Name 2 possible herbal teratogens

Answer 6

Piscidia piscipula, Baical skullcap, Myrrh, Artemisia vulgaris, hydratis canadensis etc, (list of 50 contra indicated herbs in Bone and Mills p105)

Question 7

What is the name of the stage of foetal development when it is most susceptible to teratogens

Answer 7

Organogenesis (from implantation at day 14 to 60 days) post conception