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Birth Defects
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What is an…. Amniocentesis: the process of withdrawing a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn baby Chorionic Villi sampling: a prenatal test that uses a sample of the tissue from the membrane that encases the fetus to check for specific birth defects. Samples of the tissue are cut or suctioned off and analyzed
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Cerebral Palsy Definition: General term for a variety of problems of the motor system. Symptoms can include lack of coordination, stiffness, difficulty with speech and paralysis Causes: causes vary but include damage to the brain before, during or shortly after birth. Detections: motor skills are typically slow to develop during 1st year of life Treatments: damage to brain is irreversible. Physical and speech therapy, surgery and medication can often lessen effects
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Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Definition: a gap in the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) that causes problems with eating, swallowing, speech and appearance Causes: may be caused by heredity, environmental factors or both Detections: conditions are apparent at birth. Often detectable by ultra sound before birth Treatments: surgery corrects the gap and helps eliminate the problems associated with it
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Cleft lip
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Cystic Fibrosis Definition: affects respiratory and digestive systems. Many with CF die before adulthood, although treatment now allows those with CF to live longer Causes: caused by inheriting defective recessive gene from both parents. Most commonly affects Caucasians. Detections: blood tests can identify carriers of the gene. Sweat test can diagnose an affected child Treatments: no know cure. Special diets, lung exercises, therapies and medication can treat symptoms.
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Cystic Fibrosis
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Down Syndrome Definition: a group of problems that may include mental retardation; heart, blood and digestive system difficulties and poor muscle ton Cause: the presence of an extra chromosome 21 Detections: can be detected in a fetus by amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling, or after birth with a blood test Treatment: no know cure. Treatments include therapies, special educational assistance, and in some cases, corrective surgery
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Muscular Dystrophy Definition: there are many different types; all involve a progressive weakness and shrinking of the muscles. Most common form begins between ages 2-6 Cause: most types are hereditary. Most common for is transmitted by female carriers of the gene but affects only males Detections: recognizable one symptoms appear. Genetic counseling can ID carriers Treatment: no know cure. Physical therapy can minimize the disabilities
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Muscular Dystrophy
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PKU (phenylketonuria)
Definition: condition in which the body is unable to process and use a specific protein present in nearly all foods. Brain damage and mental retardation can result. Causes: defective recessive genes inherited from both parents Detections: newborns are tested for PKU, as required by law in all states Treatments: no know cure. If diagnosed early, a special diet can reduce or prevent brain damage
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Diet for PKU
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Sickle Cell Anemia Definition: malformed red blood cells interfere with the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body. Symptoms include tiredness, lack of appetite and pain. Can lead to early death. Causes: defective recessive gene inherited from both parents. Most common in African-Americans Detections: genetic counseling can ID parents who carry the gene. Amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling can ID in a fetus. Blood tests detect it after birth. Treatments: no know cure. Medications can help treat symptoms
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Sickle Cell Anemia
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Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Causes: seems to be a combo of heredity and environmental factors. Taking a folic acid supplement during pregnancy may reduce incident. Detections: spina bifida is apparent at birth. Hydrocephalus is indicated by overly rapid growth of the head. Tests of mom’s blood, amniocentesis, and ultrasound can reveal suspected cases in fetus Treatment: corrective surgery, physical therapy and special schooling can minimize disabilities caused by spina bifida. Hydrocephalus can be helped by surgically implanting a shunt that relieves fluid build up Definition: in spina bifida, an incompletely formed spinal cord may lead to stiff joints, partial paralysis, and problems with the kidneys and urinary tract. 70/100 children with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, in which an excess of fluid surrounds the brain.
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Tay-Sachs Disease Definition: caused by the lack of a specific chemical in the baby’s blood. The body cannot process and use certain fats. This leads to severe brain damage and death, usually by age 4 Causes: defective recessive gene inherited from both parents. Most common in families of eastern European Jewish descent. Detections: Amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling can ID carriers and can test for condition after birth Treatments: no know cure. Treatments involves trying to make the child comfortable.
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