title: Value of the small cohort study including a physical examination for minor structural defects in identifying new human teratogens.
abstract: Most known human teratogens are associated with a unique or characteristic pattern of major and minor malformations and this pattern helps to establish the causal link between the teratogenic exposure and the outcome. Although traditional case-control and cohort study designs can help identify potential teratogens, there is an important role for small cohort studies that include a dysmorphological examination of exposed and unexposed infants for minor structural defects. In combination with other study design approaches, the small cohort study with a specialized physical examination fulfills a necessary function in screening for new potential teratogens and can help to better delineate the spectrum and magnitude of risk for known teratogens.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0828, USA. chchambers@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: Christina D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000150:complications; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077339:Leflunomide; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000139:chemically induced; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D013723:Teratogens; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D013723:Teratogens; D005473:Fluoxetine; D002220:Carbamazepine; D014212:Tretinoin; D000077339:Leflunomide