Shyam Kishan, MD, describes the treatment of club foot.
Birth Defects
The cause of most birth defects is unknown, though genetics and environmental factors can play a role. While prenatal tests can detect some birth defects, many are not found immediately. Some birth defects can be prevented by taking vitamins with folic acid before conception and avoiding known contaminants such as smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs.
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HealthyWomen answeredSee All 4 AnswersThe dangers of drinking alcohol for pregnant women and their unborn babies are well documented. Like many other drugs, alcohol easily passes from a mother to her baby through the placenta. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation.
One of the greatest dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe form of FASD. Low birth weight, congenital anomalies, severe behavioral and neurological problems and learning and physical disabilities are some symptoms experienced by infants and children exposed to alcohol in the uterus.
Children diagnosed with FAS suffer the severest damage related to alcohol exposure, including facial changes and mental retardation.
For the mother, alcohol use during pregnancy has been associated with high blood pressure, miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth and anemia.
This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.
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See All 3 AnswersChiari malformation (CM) is a congenital malformation in which the bottom of the brain (cerebellum) is crowded in the skull cavity, and forces the lower tips of the cerebellar hemispheres (tonsils) into the hole at the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum). This causes blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow into the spinal canal. -
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March of Dimes answeredNeonatal abstinence syndrome (also called NAS) happens when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth. A baby can then go through drug withdrawal after birth. NAS most often is caused when a woman takes opioids during pregnancy. Opioids are painkillers (like codeine, hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone) your provider may prescribe if you’ve been injured or had surgery. The street drug heroin is also an opioid.
Babies with NAS are more likely than other babies to be born with low birthweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces), have breathing and feeding problems and seizures. Learn more at: marchofdimes.org/nas -
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Dr. Thomas A. Imahiyerobo, MD , Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 2 AnswersThe prognosis for isolated craniosynostosis which is not part of another craniofacial syndrome is very good. Most children will require one surgery as an infant and do not need further treatment from there. Children who have craniosynostosis along with a craniofacial syndrome require specialized care. A craniofacial plastic surgeon will assess this at the child’s evaluation and if needed connect the parents with additional resources specific to the child’s condition. -
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Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgeryThe following tests are used to diagnose pectus excavatum:- Visual examination of the chest
- Ausculation—analysis of sounds of the heart and chest to detect the condition's effect on heart and lung function
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram (a noninvasive test that takes a picture of the heart taken with sound waves)
- Pulmonary function testing (patient breathes into a mouthpiece connected to an instrument that measures the amount of air breathed over a period of time)
- Chest X-ray
- CT-scan
- Haller Index
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See All 2 AnswersMost cleft lips and cleft palates are caused by a genetic or developmental error that was not preventable. However, in some cases the genes are influenced by other factors. The best way to reduce risk of a cleft defect is for any woman who might get pregnant to take a prenatal vitamin, avoid dangerous medications, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. -
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Mark L. Saxton, MD , answered on behalf of Wesley Medical CenterSee All 2 AnswersThe Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct pectus excavatum, a congenital deformity known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest."
The Nuss procedure uses three small incisions; one under each arm and the third for a thin scope that gives the surgeon an inside view of the chest. During the procedure, a curved stainless steel bar is placed behind the sternum. It sits on top of the ribs on either side of the sternum; the chest wall is used as a base of support. The bar, which sits entirely under the skin and soft tissues, pushes the sternum to its proper position. It's left in place for three years. During this time the chest remodels itself to the normal contour. Removing the bar only requires an out-patient procedure.
Patients will experience improvements in breathing, comfort and stamina soon after surgery. Typically they can return to school or work in one to two weeks. Competitive sports and other strenuous activities can be resumed in about eight weeks. -
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Dr. Coleen Boyle, PhD, MS , Public Health & General Preventive Medicine, answered on behalf of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)See All 2 AnswersCraniofacial defects are conditions present at birth that affect the structure and function of a baby’s head and face. Two of the most common craniofacial defects are orofacial clefts, which occur when the lip and mouth do not form properly, and craniosynostosis, which happens when the bones in the baby’s skull fuse too early. Two other craniofacial defects include microtia, when the external portion of the ear does not form properly; and anotia, which occurs when the external portion of the ear is missing.
Treatments and services for children with craniofacial defects can vary depending on the severity of the defect, the presence of associated syndromes or other birth defects (or both), the child’s age and other medical or developmental needs. Children with certain craniofacial defects can have a greater risk for physical, learning, developmental or social challenges.
The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS. -
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See All 2 AnswersChiari malformations (CM) can only be diagnosed through an MRI of the brain/spine. This test will indicate whether or not a patient has CM or any other abnormality.
A special test called a cine-MRI (also known as a CSF flow study) can be performed to help improve the certainty of this diagnosis.
There are three components for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of CM:- patient's history of specific, characteristic symptoms
- examination that shows signs consistent with CM
- head and spine MRI demonstrating characteristic anatomy of CM