Prevention of Congenital Anomalies

Two to six percent of the newborn babies worldwide, i.e. 3-9 million infants a year, suffer from major congenital anomalies and genetic diseases. However, a lot of this misery could be avoided. Examples like congenital rubella syndrome, now largely controlled by vaccination programs, or the identification of drugs like thalidomide and retinoids causing severe birth defects reveal the importance of research and the benefits of primary prevention in this field. Community Genetics - well aware of the significance for future generations - dedicates this special issue to the prevention of congenital anomalies. One of the most important challenges discussed is the intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Besides, the treatment of women with diabetes mellitus and epilepsy before and during pregnancy is considered. Other points deliberated are the past and present stages of preconception care in western as well as in developing countries, the possibilities of identifying new etiological factors for congenital anomalies as well as the implementation of this knowledge. In addition, the effects of physical and chemical factors in the home and workplace during pregnancy are evaluated. This special issue is recommended reading not only for medical geneticists, teratologists and obstetricians, but also for primary care workers, organizers of prevention programs and midwives.Cornel, Martina is the author of 'Prevention of Congenital Anomalies' with ISBN 9783805574792 and ISBN 3805574797.