Congenital abnormalities
Congenital Abnormalities
Congenital abnormalities, also known as Congenital anomalies or Birth defects (pronunciation: /kənˈjenɪt(ə)l/ /ˌæbnɔːˈmælɪtiːz/), are structural or functional anomalies, including metabolic disorders, which are present at the time of birth.
Etymology
The term "congenital" is derived from Latin congenitus, which means "born with" or "existing from birth". The term "abnormality" comes from the Latin abnormis, meaning "away from the norm" or "deviant".
Types of Congenital Abnormalities
Congenital abnormalities can be broadly divided into two categories: structural abnormalities and functional or metabolic disorders.
- Structural abnormalities are physical defects which can be seen at birth. They are caused by problems with the formation of one or more parts of the body during the early stages of embryonic development. Examples include heart defects, cleft lip or cleft palate, and neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Functional or metabolic disorders are problems with the way the body works or metabolizes food. They are often not visible at birth but may cause health problems if not treated. Examples include phenylketonuria (PKU) and hypothyroidism.
Causes
The exact causes of congenital abnormalities are often unknown, but they may be due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Some known causes include chromosomal abnormalities, single gene defects, multifactorial inheritance, and teratogens.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of congenital abnormalities can be made during pregnancy through prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis, or after birth through newborn screening and clinical examination.
Treatment
Treatment for congenital abnormalities depends on the specific condition and its severity. It may include surgery, medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital abnormalities
- Wikipedia's article - Congenital abnormalities
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