CONGENITAL ANOMALIES- ENGLISH

Congenital anomalies
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Congenital anomalies can be defined as structural or functional malformations or abnormalties (for example, metabolic disorders) that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally, at birth, or sometimes may only be detected later in infancy, such as hearing defects. Congenital anomalies are also known as birth defects

Congenital anomalies have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems, and societies.it may lead to long-term disability, or even death. The most common and severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome. While some moderate congenital anomalies are cleft lip and cleft palate. Although congenital anomalies may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes.

Causative factors- includes

Genetic factors

Socioeconomic and demographic factors

Environmental factors

Infections

Maternal nutritional status

Genetic factors-

Genes play an important role in many congenital anomalies. This might be through sudden changes in genes known as mutations.Some ethnic communities have a comparatively high prevalence of rare genetic mutations such as Cystic Fibrosis and Haemophilia C.

Socioeconomic and demographic factors

Low-income may be an indirect determinant of congenital anomalies, with a higher frequency among resource-constrained families and countries. this higher risk relates to a possible lack of access to sufficient, nutritious foods by pregnant women, an increased exposure to agents or factors such as infection and alcohol, or poorer access to healthcare and screening.

Maternal age is also a risk factor for abnormal intrauterine fetal development. Advanced maternal age increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome.

Environmental factors

Maternal exposure to certain pesticides and other chemicals, as well as certain medications, alcohol, tobacco and radiation during pregnancy, may increase the risk of having a fetus or neonate affected by congenital anomalies. particularly if the mother is exposed to other environmental risk factors or nutritional deficiencies.

Infections

Maternal infections such as syphilis and rubella are a significant cause of congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries.

More recently, the effect of in utero exposure to Zika virus on the developing fetus has been reported.

Maternal nutritional status

Maternal folate insufficiency increases the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect while excessive vitamin A intake may affect the normal development of an embryo or fetus.

Preventive measures

1.    Adolescent girls and mothers should have a healthy diet including a wide variety of vegetables and fruit, and maintain a healthy weight.

2.    An adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, and particularly folic acid should be ensured in adolescent girls and mothers.

3.    Pregnant women should avoid harmful substances, particularly alcohol and tobacco.

4.    Pregnant women should avoid of travel to regions experiencing outbreaks of infections known to be associated with congenital anomalies.

5.    Try to reduce or eliminate environmental exposure to hazardous substances (such as heavy metals or pesticides) during pregnancy.

6.    Controlling diabetes prior to and during pregnancy through counselling, weight management, diet and administration of insulin when required.

7.    Ensure that any exposure of pregnant women to medications or medical radiation (such as imaging rays) is justified and based on careful health risk–benefit analysis.

8.    Vaccination, especially against the rubella virus, for children and women;

9.    increasing and strengthening education of health staff and others involved in promoting prevention of congenital anomalies;

10. Screening for infections, especially rubella, varicella, and syphilis, and consideration of treatment, before pregnancy.

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