Teratogens Flashcards
What is a teratogenic agent?
An environmental agent that produces abnormalities during embryonic or fetal development
What is TORCH
Toxoplasmosis Others (Hep B, Mumps, Poliovirus) Rubella Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Herpes
How many ways can environmental agents cause birth defects?
3
What are the ways in which an environmental agents cause birth defects?
direct exposure to the agent
What are other teratogens
Chemicals, Alcohol, Radiation, Drugs, Meds,
What are clinical manifestations of TORCH
microcephaly, hydrocephalus, defects of the eye, hearing problems
How could someone get Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
Contracted by eating raw/uncooked meat, infected meat
Cat feces
How to prevent contracting Rubella?
Vaccines to prevent hearing impairment and blindness
How does infant acquire Herpes virus type 2
Infection in utero or passage through the birth canal
What deficiency is implicated in the development of neural tube defects?
Folic acid deficiency
What are consequences of Folic Acid deficiency?
spina bifida, encephalocele, anencephaly
What is the recommended amount of folic acid for pregnant women?
400 micrograms daily
What foods are folate-rich?
Oj, dark/leafy green veggies, legumes
What period is the most susceptible to teratogens?
During rapid differentiation and development of body organs & tissues, 15-60 days postconception
What does radiation cause
microcephaly
skeletal malformations
intellectual disabilities
How cause radiation exposure be avoided
testing for pregnancy before using tech that uses radiaton
Administration of therapeutic radioactive iodine during the 13th week can do what
interfere with thyroid development
What is the most common chemical teratogen
drugs
Drugs with a molecular weight of what cross the placenta easily
500 or less
What other factor helps drugs pass throught the placenta
lipid solubility, dangerous if there lipid soluble
What are some example of drugs teratogens
thalidomide
the antimetabolites for cancers
warfarin
cocaine
What are the five pregnancy risk categories for drugs
A B C D X
Which are not suggested for use immediately
X
