Congenital disorder is also known as birth defects, congenital anomalies or congenital malformations. It is the structural or functional anomalies (metabolic disorders, for example) that occur in a developing fetus and can be identified prenatally (before birth), at birth, or sometimes may only be detected later in infancy, such as hearing defects.
Congenital anomalies are important causes of infant and childhood deaths, chronic illness and disability
According to world Health Organization (WHO)
An estimated 303, 000 newborns die within 4 weeks of birth every year, worldwide, due to congenital anomalies.
Congenital anomalies can contribute to long-term disability, which may have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems, and societies.
The most common, severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
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.
Some congenital anomalies can be prevented through; vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid or iodine through fortification of staple foods or supplementation, and adequate antenatal care.
Although approximately 50% of all congenital anomalies cannot be linked to a specific cause, but there are some known genetic, environmental and other causes or risk factors such as;
- through inherited genes that code for an anomaly, or resulting from sudden changes in genes known as mutations.
maternal infections such as syphilis and rubella are a significant cause of congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries.-
- 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.
Important Intervention to Prevent Congenital Disorder
Ensuring adolescent girls and mothers have a healthy diet including a wide variety of vegetables and fruit, and maintain a healthy weight;
Adolescent girls and mothers should take adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid.
Mothers should avoid taking harmful substances, particularly alcohol and tobacco and also environmental exposure to hazardous substances (such as heavy metals or pesticides) during pregnancy.
Screening for infections, especially rubella, varicella, and syphilis which could be a cause of the disorder, and consideration of treatment.
Treatment and care
Many structural congenital anomalies can be corrected with paediatric surgery and early treatment can be administered to children with functional problems such as thalassaemia (inherited recessive blood disorders), sickle cell disorders, and congenital hypothyroidism (reduced function of the thyroid).Labels: Educative Article
