Teratogens and Their Effects

Question 1

Most vulnerable period for Teratogens

Answer 1

3rd-8th weeks

• Embryonic period –> Organogenesis
• Prior to week 3 get an all or none effect
• After week 8 growth and function are affected

Question 2

Teratogenicity of ACE Inhibitors

Answer 2

• Renal damage

Question 3

Teratogenicity of Alkylating Agents

Answer 3

• Absence of digits
• Multiple anomalies

Question 4

Teratogenicity of Aminoglycosides

Answer 4

• CN VIII toxicity

“A MEAN GUY hit the baby in the EAR”

Question 5

Teratogenicity of Cabamazepine

Answer 5

• Neural tube defects
• Craniofacial defects
• Fingernail hypoplasia
• Developmental delay
• IUGR

Question 6

Teratogenicity of Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Answer 6

• Vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma

Question 7

Teratogenicity of Folate Antagonists

Answer 7

• Neural tube defects

Question 8

Teratogenicity of Lithium

Answer 8

• Ebstein’s anomaly - atrialized right ventricle

Question 9

Teratogenicity of Phenytoin

Answer 9

• Fetal hydantoin syndrome - microcephaly, dysmorphic craniofacial features (cleft lip/palate), hypoplastic nails and distal phalanges, cardiac defects, IUGR, mental retardation

Question 10

Teratogenicity of Tetracyclines

Answer 10

• Discolored teeth

Question 11

Teratogenicity of Thalidomide

Answer 11

• Limb defects - flipper limbs

“LIMB defects with tha-LIMB-domide”

Question 12

Teratogenicity of Valproate

Answer 12

• Inhibition of maternal folate absorption –> neural tube defects (Meningocele)

Question 13

Teratogenicity of Warfarin

Answer 13

• Bone deformities
• Fetal hemorrhage
• Abortion
• Ophthalmologic abnormalities

“do not wage WARFARE on the baby; keep it HEPPY with HEParin (does not cross the placenta”

Question 14

Teratogenicity of Alcohol

Answer 14

• Leading cause of birth defects and mental retardation
• Fetal alcohol syndrome

Question 15

Teratogenicity of Cocaine

Answer 15

• Abnormal fetal development and fetal addiction
• Placental abruption

Question 16

Teratogenicity of Smoking

Answer 16

• Preterm labor
• Placental problems
• IUGR
• ADHD

Question 17

Teratogenicity of Iodide

Answer 17

From lack or excess

• Congenital goiter
• Hypothyroidism

Question 18

Teratogenicity of Maternal Diabetes

Answer 18

• Caudal regression syndrome (anal atresia to sirenomelia)
• Congenital heart defects
• Neural tuve defects

Question 19

Teratogenicity of Vitamin A Excess

Answer 19

• Extremely high risk for spontaneous abortions and birth defects (cleft palate, cardiac abnormalities)

Question 20

Teratogenicity of X-rays

Answer 20

• Microcephaly
• Mental retardation