CONGENITAL ANOMALIES -Birth defects(Introductory note)
Simple Defination -It is a structural abnormality of any type that is present at birth. Etiology - Congenital anomalies may be induced by: 1.Genetic factors 2 Environmental factors Most common congenital anomalies, however, show the family patterns expected of multifactorial inheritance (determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors). PREVALENCE - About 3% of all live born infants have an obvious major anomaly. The incidence is about 6% in 2-year-olds and 8% in 5-year-olds. Congenital anomalies may be single or multiple and of minor or major clinical significance. Causes of congenital anomalies 1-Genetic factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and mutant genes. 2-Environmental factors e.g.: the mother had German measles in early pregnancy will cause abnormality in the embryo. 3-Combined genetic and environmental factors (mutlifactorials factors). Types of abnormalities 1-Malformations: thi...