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Birth Defects

All articles tagged with #birth defects

NI families demand redress for valproate birth-harm
health13 days ago

NI families demand redress for valproate birth-harm

Pregnant women who took sodium valproate—used to treat epilepsy (and bipolar disorder) —say they were not warned about birth defects, leaving families with guilt and anger as warnings now exist. UK estimates suggest thousands affected since the 1970s, with about 10% of pregnancies showing physical abnormalities and over 30% experiencing neurodevelopmental challenges. A 2020 review called for compensation and a 2024 report urged urgent redress. In Northern Ireland, campaigners and lawmakers are pressuring the government for a redress scheme, better data, and long‑term support for families, while doctors and charities say action has lagged even as warnings and safety guidance tighten.

via BBC|
#birth-defects#health#northern-ireland
WHO calls for rapid scale-up of newborn screening to detect birth defects early
health2 months ago

WHO calls for rapid scale-up of newborn screening to detect birth defects early

WHO calls on countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects to enable early detection and treatment, which can save lives and reduce lifelong disability; about 8 million babies are born with birth defects each year and the condition now accounts for about 8% of under-five deaths, with 90% of affected children in low- and middle-income countries where screening access is limited; the agency highlights country progress and urges integrating screening into routine health services and universal health coverage, starting with country-priority conditions and expanding capacity over time.

via World Health Organization (WHO)|
#birth-defects#child-health#health
Valproic Acid Triggers Embryonic Cell Senescence, Explaining Birth Defects and Autism Risk
science4 months ago

Valproic Acid Triggers Embryonic Cell Senescence, Explaining Birth Defects and Autism Risk

Researchers using mice and human organoids show valproic acid (VPA) can force developing neuroepithelial cells to enter senescence via the p19Arf pathway, shrinking the neural progenitor pool and causing defects such as microcephaly and neural tube problems; removing p19Arf in mice reduces some VPA-related effects, including autism-linked gene changes, but other abnormalities persist, indicating multiple developmental pathways are disrupted and highlighting a potential link between misregulated senescence and birth defects and autism risk.

via SciTechDaily|
#autism#birth-defects#cellular-senescence
Octogenarian Explores Fatherhood: Weighing Risks and Rewards
health1 year ago

Octogenarian Explores Fatherhood: Weighing Risks and Rewards

An 80-year-old man inquires about the risks of fathering a child at his age, expressing concerns about genetic defects and his ability to be present in the child's life. Dr. Roach explains that older fathers face increased risks of genetic conditions and birth defects in their children, such as Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, the life expectancy of an 80-year-old man suggests he may not live to see his child reach their 10th birthday, which could negatively impact the child's well-being.

via OregonLive|
#birth-defects#elderly-parents#fatherhood
Study Finds Cannabis Use Tied to Increased Cancer and Birth Defect Risks
health1 year ago

Study Finds Cannabis Use Tied to Increased Cancer and Birth Defect Risks

A new study from the University of Western Australia links cannabis use to increased risks of various cancers, birth defects, and accelerated aging, suggesting that cannabis-related genetic damage can be passed to future generations. The research highlights the potential dangers of high-potency cannabis products, urging policymakers to reconsider the health implications of cannabis legalization. The study emphasizes the need for further research into cannabis's genotoxic effects and its impact on public health.

via Study Finds|
#birth-defects#cancer#cannabis
"The Hidden Impact: Unveiling the Dominance of a Lesser-Known Virus in Non-Genetic Birth Defects"
health2 years ago

"The Hidden Impact: Unveiling the Dominance of a Lesser-Known Virus in Non-Genetic Birth Defects"

Congenital CMV, a little-known virus, causes more birth defects in American babies than any other nongenetic disease, with one in every thousand babies affected. Megan Nix shares her experience with her daughter Anna, who was diagnosed with congenital CMV, shedding light on the lack of discussion about the virus during routine prenatal care. The virus, which can be transmitted through toddlers' saliva, presents a significant risk during pregnancy, yet most expecting mothers are not informed about it.

via WBUR News|
#birth-defects#cmv#health
"Welsh Spaniel Receives Life-Saving Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs"
animal-welfare2 years ago

"Welsh Spaniel Receives Life-Saving Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs"

Ariel, a spaniel puppy with six legs, was found abandoned in Wales and underwent successful surgery to remove her extra limbs. The dog, born with multiple birth defects, was taken in by Greenacres Rescue charity and operated on at Langford Vets small animal referral hospital in Somerset. Ariel is now in recovery and receiving care from a foster family, with hopes for a quick and easy recovery before finding a forever home. The response to Ariel's story has been overwhelming, with support pouring in from around the world.

via The Guardian|
#animal-welfare#birth-defects#rescue
Preconception: Texas A&M Researcher Urges Men to Avoid Alcohol for Three Months
health2 years ago

Preconception: Texas A&M Researcher Urges Men to Avoid Alcohol for Three Months

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that the effects of alcohol consumption on a father's sperm can last longer than a month, impacting fetal development and increasing the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The study suggests that men should abstain from drinking for at least three months prior to conceiving to minimize the negative effects on sperm and improve pregnancy outcomes. This research challenges the traditional focus on maternal alcohol consumption and highlights the importance of considering paternal drinking habits in preventing birth defects.

via Texas A&M University Today|
#alcohol-consumption#birth-defects#fetal-development