Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Sep 2006
Comparative StudyTracking the prevention of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly.
The fortification of wheat flour with folic acid prevents most cases of spina bifida and anencephaly by raising serum folate levels among women capable of bearing children, as does encouraging women to consume folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy. Unfortunately, surveillance is conducted in few countries where the need is greatest. ⋯ Professional researchers and clinicians can help combat this situation by becoming advocates for child health in their respective countries.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Aug 2006
Maternal severe migraine and risk of congenital limb deficiencies.
Migraines occurs frequently during pregnancy; however, there are no published data on their possible teratogenic potential in a controlled epidemiological study. Therefore, we examined the risk of congenital abnormalities in infants born to women who had migraines and other headaches during pregnancy. ⋯ Our data showed that maternal severe migraines during the second and/or third months of pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of congenital limb deficiencies. A similar association was not detected between congenital anomalies and other headaches during pregnancy. Our study was not based on a prior hypothesis; therefore, these data can be considered only as a signal that needs confirmation by independent data sets.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · May 2006
Abstracts of the 46th Teratology Society Annual Meeting, 30th Annual Meeting of the Neurobehavioral Teratology Society, 19th International Conference of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, June 24-29, 2006, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Jan 2006
Comparative StudyDeterminants of survival in children with congenital abnormalities: a long-term population-based cohort study.
Today more children with birth defects survive early childhood because of improved medical care; however, little information is available about patterns of long-term mortality and survival in this population. In particular, it is not clear whether other birth characteristics, apart from birth defects, have any role in their mortality. ⋯ Children born with abnormalities face many challenges throughout their lifetimes. If they survive the high mortality risk of the first year of life, they still have to face the considerably higher risk of death in the years to come. In addition to birth defects, other birth characteristics play an independent role in their mortality. These indicators could be used to identify high-risk children.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Nov 2005
A survey of pregnant women using isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin is a known human teratogen, causing birth defects and/or subnormal cognitive performance in prenatally-exposed children. ⋯ Results demonstrate that essential components of voluntary pregnancy prevention programs were not consistently followed, which resulted in fetal exposures.