Introduction:
Congenital abnormalities, congenital malformations, and birth defects are other names for congenital conditions. Birth defects are abnormalities from normal morphogenesis that occur in the earliest stages of fetal development and cause morphological, behavioural, functional, and metabolic abnormalities that can be identified during pregnancy, at birth, or later in infancy. More than 3 million infants worldwide who have birth defects pass away in the first 28 days of life, and the majority of those who survive have disabilities. An additional 170 000 children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years die as a result of congenital diseases. When compared to other causes of neonatal and infant mortality, congenital defects are given the lowest priority for prevention and care, with Lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) bearing the majority of the burden (>90%). Globally, congenital heart disease and neural tube abnormalities carry a substantial mortality risk. Heart problems, neural tube defects, and Down syndrome are the three most prevalent severe congenital disorders.
Prevalence:
The risk of having a birth abnormality varies based on the situation at hand and the area. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 3 and 6 percent of new-borns worldwide are born with a congenital abnormality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in every 33 infants in the United States is born with a birth defect.
Certain birth abnormalities are more typical than others. For instance, congenital heart abnormalities, which affect 1 in 100 infants, are the most prevalent birth defects. Spina bifida and other neural tube abnormalities afflict roughly 1 in every 1,000 births. About 1 in every 700 births result in down syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and other health issues.
Geographical location and ethnicity can also have an impact on the occurrence of birth abnormalities. A higher prevalence of particular birth abnormalities may exist in some groups as a result of genetic or environmental factors. For instance, certain birth abnormalities are more common among kids delivered to diabetic mothers, and the genetic blood disorder sickle cell anaemia is more common in particular groups.
Causes:
Birth defects are abnormalities that occur in babies during pregnancy or at birth. They can range from minor, such as a small birthmark, to severe, such as a life-threatening heart defect. It’s important to note that many birth defects have no known cause. In many cases, they are simply the result of a random occurrence during fetal development.
Genetic factors: Some birth defects are caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities that are passed down from parents to their children.
Nutritional factors: Poor nutrition, such as a lack of folic acid, can increase the risk of birth defects.
Infections: Certain infections, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and toxoplasmosis, can increase the risk of birth defects.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects. These may include alcohol, tobacco smoke, and some prescription medications.
Problems during pregnancy: Certain problems during pregnancy, such as placental problems, can increase the risk of birth defects.
Maternal health conditions: Some maternal health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase the risk of birth defects.
Types:
There are many different types of birth defects, and they can affect different parts of the body.
Chromosomal birth defects: These are defects that occur when there is a problem with a baby’s chromosomes. Examples include Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.
Developmental birth defects: These are defects that occur when there is a problem with the way a baby’s organs or tissues develop. Examples include hearing loss and vision problems.
Structural birth defects: These are defects that affect the shape or structure of a baby’s body. Examples include cleft lip and palate, heart defects, and limb abnormalities.
Neural tube defects: These are defects that affect the development of the brain and spinal cord. Examples include spina bifida and anencephaly.
Metabolic birth defects: These are defects that affect the body’s ability to process certain nutrients or substances. Examples include phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Functional birth defects: These are defects that affect the way a baby’s body functions. Examples include congenital heart defects and respiratory problems.
Screening, treatment and care:
Screening, treatment, and care of birth defects depend on the type and severity of the defect. In general, early detection and intervention are crucial in improving outcomes for babies with birth defects. For improved resource allocation for prevention, care, and rehabilitation, it is necessary to improve information across the country on the prevalence of birth defects, risk factor, and outcome. According to the best current data, there are several options available for the care of birth defects, including therapy, medication, surgery, or assistive technology. In most situations, critical paediatric surgery can prevent early mortality and long-term disability.
Screening: Screening tests, such as ultrasound and blood tests, can help identify potential birth defects early in pregnancy. The purpose of screening is to identify women who are at higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect, so that further diagnostic testing can be offered if needed.
Diagnostic testing: Diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can confirm the presence of certain birth defects. These tests are usually offered to women who have a higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect, based on their age, family history, or other factors.
Treatment: Treatment options for birth defects depend on the specific defect and may include surgery, medication, or other therapies. Some defects, such as cleft lip and palate, can be corrected with surgery. Others, such as congenital heart defects, may require ongoing medical management and monitoring.
Long-term management: Many babies with birth defects require ongoing medical care and monitoring throughout their lives. This may include regular visits with specialists, such as cardiologists or neurologists, to manage the condition and prevent complications.
Supportive care: Babies with birth defects may require additional care and support, such as feeding assistance or physical therapy. In some cases, babies may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time after birth to receive specialized care.
For early detection and intervention, appropriate medical care and support, and improved outcomes for people and families impacted by birth defects, awareness of birth defects across the lifetime is crucial. Increased understanding and empathy for people who live with birth abnormalities can also help minimize stigma.
World Birth Defects Day:
Every year on March 3rd, it is observed to promote prevention methods and increase awareness of the effects of birth abnormalities. The International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, the March of Dimes, and the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies collaborated to create the day, which was first observed in 2015.
World Birth Defects Day seeks to increase public awareness of the effects birth abnormalities have on people and families while also promoting preventative strategies to lessen their prevalence and negative effects. The purpose of World Birth Defects Day is to advance a society in which every child is born healthy and to enhance the health and well-being of people and families who are impacted by birth defects.
- Educate the public on the frequency and consequences of birth defects
- Stress the significance of birth defect preventive efforts, early discovery, and treatment.
- Promote legislation and funding for initiatives that enhance efforts to prevent, detect, and treat birth defects.
- Support and services for those affected by birth abnormalities should be made available to them.
- Encouraging preventative steps to lessen the prevalence and consequences of birth abnormalities
- Increasing knowledge of the effects of birth abnormalities on people, families, and communities
- Encouraging early birth defect discovery and treatment to improve outcomes for afflicted people
- Advocating for legislation and funding for the study, treatment, and prevention of birth defects
- Supplying assistance and resources, such as information, guidance, and medical care, to people and families impacted by birth abnormalities.