Teratology: principles and practice.
Gross anomalies of structure and/or function affect 2 to 4 per cent of all human newborns and are the leading cause of perinatal mortality in this country. Despite their significance, the etiology of most such defects remains unclear. A majority are unassociated with any identifiable cause; a small but significant percentage are attributed to heritable disorders of either a Mendelian (single gene) or chromosomal nature. Drugs and environmental exposures are currently implicated in only a small percentage of affected pregnancies. Nevertheless, an awareness of the principles of teratogenesis, an appreciation for the role--though imprecise--of placental transfer and fetal drug disposition, and avoidance of known teratogens currently offers our best hope for the study and prevention of birth defects.
Dicke
J M
JM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000378:metabolism; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013723:Teratogens
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D013723:Teratogens; D000431:Ethanol; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol