title: Four polygamous families with congenital birth defects from Fallujah, Iraq.
abstract: Since 2003, congenital malformations have increased to account for 15% of all births in Fallujah, Iraq. Congenital heart defects have the highest incidence, followed by neural tube defects. Similar birth defects were reported in other populations exposed to war contaminants. While the causes of increased prevalence of birth defects are under investigation, we opted to release this communication to contribute to exploration of these issues. By using a questionnaire, containing residential history and activities that may have led to exposure to war contaminants, retrospective reproductive history of four polygamous Fallujah families were documented. Our findings point to sporadic, untargeted events, with different phenotypes in each family and increased recurrence. The prevalence of familial birth defects after 2003 highlights the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms and offers insights to focus research, with the aim of reducing further damage to people's health.
authors.affiliation: Fallujah General Hospital, Althubbadh District, Fallujah, 00964, Iraq. samiraalaani@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alaani
authors.forename: Mozhgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Savabieasfahani
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tafash
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Manduca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007493:Iraq; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000633:toxicity; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013723:Teratogens / Q000633:toxicity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D013723:Teratogens