Developmental Pathophysiology, Develop. Physiol., Dr. D. Penney

Table 4.02. Causes of Birth Defects.

• Genetic Transfer - Receives from mother and father; may be dominant or recessive.
  Klinefelter syndrome
  Turner syndrome
  Marfan
  DiGeorge syndrome

  Mutagenicity - pre- or post-conception (ovum, sperm, embryo, fetus, later on). A woman has all her ova from the time of her birth!

  Down syndrome

  Trisomy 13, 18

  Teratogenicity - post-conception only; may or may not (e.g. cortisol) be heritable; must be able to cross the placenta.

  Maternal Diseases - Diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythrematosus.

  Lactation - low molecular weight and/or fat soluble non-biodegradable substances (e.g. DDT, PCB's).

Return to Page 2