INFORMATION ON CONGENITAL ANOMALIES

Congenital Anomalies refers to those abnormalities and structural defects that are present at birth. About 3 to 4% newborns are affected, while about 7-8% children got the defect by the age of 5.

CAUSES OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES

1. Genetic Reasons
         Can cause single anomalies and syndromes
         Down syndrome due to chromosomal abnormalities.
   
    Other causes of congenital Anomalies
         Malformation and deformation
         Environmental toxins
         Radiation
         Diet
         Drugs
         Infection
         Metabolic disorders
         Abnormal presentation
   

DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES

1. Prenatal
         Ultrasonography
         Amniocentesis
         Chorionic villus sampling
   
2. Other factors indicating an anomaly
         Breech presentations
         Polyhydramnios
         Blockage of the GI tract
         Low urine output
   

TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES

If anomalies are detected before birth, parents should consult the doctor for terminating the pregnancy. After birth diagnosis should be properly intimated to the parents and should be advised about the care, medicinal treatments, and severity of the conditions.