Congenital Anomalies Essay
Lowdermilk: Maternity & Women’s Health Care, 10th Edition
Chapter 36: Hemolytic Disorders and Congenital Anomalies
Key Points - Print
This section discusses key points about hemolytic disorders.
· Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which the total serum bilirubin level is increased. It is characterized by jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. Jaundice primarily results from accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin, which is a product of hemoglobin breakdown.
· Although physiologic jaundice is common and usually benign, pathologic jaundice is serious and can lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy, which is associated with acute and chronic neurologic damage.
· Pathologic hyperbilirubinemia can result from various causes. …show more content…
· A congenital anomaly is a defect that is present at birth and can be caused by genetic or environmental factors or both.
· Major congenital defects are the leading cause of death in term neonates. The most common major anomalies that cause serious neonatal problems are congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, cleft lip or palate, clubfoot, and developmental dysplasia of the hip.
· Minor anomalies can be part of a characteristic pattern of malformations. That means they can point to the presence of a more serious anomaly and aid in its diagnosis. Common minor anomalies include a lack of the helical fold of the pinna, low-set ears, alterations in hair pattern or texture, absent philtrum, or a hairy patch or birthmark over the vertebral column.
· Congenital anomalies include: o Congenital heart disease, such as ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot o Neural tube defects (such as anencephaly and spina bifida) and other central nervous system anomalies o Gastrointestinal defects, such as laryngeal web, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cleft lip and palate, tracheoesophageal fistula, and imperforate
Chapter 36: Hemolytic Disorders and Congenital Anomalies
Key Points - Print
This section discusses key points about hemolytic disorders.
· Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which the total serum bilirubin level is increased. It is characterized by jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. Jaundice primarily results from accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin, which is a product of hemoglobin breakdown.
· Although physiologic jaundice is common and usually benign, pathologic jaundice is serious and can lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy, which is associated with acute and chronic neurologic damage.
· Pathologic hyperbilirubinemia can result from various causes. …show more content…
· A congenital anomaly is a defect that is present at birth and can be caused by genetic or environmental factors or both.
· Major congenital defects are the leading cause of death in term neonates. The most common major anomalies that cause serious neonatal problems are congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, cleft lip or palate, clubfoot, and developmental dysplasia of the hip.
· Minor anomalies can be part of a characteristic pattern of malformations. That means they can point to the presence of a more serious anomaly and aid in its diagnosis. Common minor anomalies include a lack of the helical fold of the pinna, low-set ears, alterations in hair pattern or texture, absent philtrum, or a hairy patch or birthmark over the vertebral column.
· Congenital anomalies include: o Congenital heart disease, such as ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot o Neural tube defects (such as anencephaly and spina bifida) and other central nervous system anomalies o Gastrointestinal defects, such as laryngeal web, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cleft lip and palate, tracheoesophageal fistula, and imperforate