Birth Defect and it’s Impact in Neonatal Health : A Review

Abstract

Birth defects are one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality worldwide. Every year more than 8.14 million children are born with a serious birth defect. The risk factors predictive of birth defects in babies vary from country to country even from region to region. About 60% of the causes of birth defect in humans are still unknown. However, in about 25% cases, the causes seem to be “multifactorial”, indicating a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Many studies have been conducted to determine the association of various risk factors with the incidence of birth defects. Most of them found significant association with maternal age, parity, consanguinity, poor nutrition, life style factors, low socioeconomic condition and many more. But still there is debate in certain issues like common type of birth defect, specific age of mother for having birth defect babies, role of drugs during pregnancy etc. With advancement of diagnostic tools, birth defects can be identified both prenatally and post- natally. This helps further in decision making and planning for both parents as well as physicians to provide accurate treatment in time. Major birth defect babies require intensive care and more hospitalization. Often multidisciplinary approach is essential for them. But till now birth defect cases are neglected in society. Increasing awareness about maternal care during pregnancy, educational programs on birth defect and the consequences of consanguineous marriages need to be highlighted to decrease the incidence of birth defect and their co-morbidities as well as mortality.
 Bangladesh J Child Health 2019; VOL 43 (1) :49-58

BDdb: a comprehensive platform for exploration and utilization of birth defect multi-omics data

“…Birth defects refer to abnormalities present at birth in form, function, biochemistry, and mentality [1]. More than 8.14 million children are born with severe birth defects each year, which are among the principal causes of infant mortality [2]. The impacts of birth defects on human society are widespread, not only affecting survival and quality of life for those affected, but also resulting in emotional and economic burdens on the family [3].…”

“…The impacts of birth defects on human society are widespread, not only affecting survival and quality of life for those affected, but also resulting in emotional and economic burdens on the family [3]. Although many studies have attempted to unveil the causes of birth defects, most remain vague [2,3]. The established causes of birth defects can be roughly divided into three categories: i.e., genetic factors, environmental factors, and their interactions [4].…”

“…The established causes of birth defects can be roughly divided into three categories: i.e., genetic factors, environmental factors, and their interactions [4]. Genetic factors include chromosomal aberrations and genetic mutations, which can render severe intellectual disabilities and deformity [2,5].…”

BDdb: a comprehensive platform for exploration and utilization of birth defect multi-omics data

“…Birth defects (BD) refer to abnormalities in form, function, biochemistry, and mentality that exist after the baby leaves the mother’s body. More than 8.14 million children are born with severe BD each year, and BD has become one of the main causes of infant death and congenital disability in the world (1–3). The impacts of BD on human society are widespread: it not only seriously affects children’s survival and quality of life, but also affects the happiness and harmony of the family, and even causes a socioeconomic burden.…”

“…The known causes of BD can be roughly divided into three categories: genetic factors, environmental factors, and the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors. Among them, genetic factors are the predominant cause, which include BD caused by genetic mutations or chromosomal aberrations, for example, an increase or decrease in the number of chromosomes, structural abnormalities, and the duplication and loss of genetic material leading to severe mental retardation or deformity (3,4).…”