Abstract This paper explains that congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of hearing loss, generally sensorineural hearing loss,and brain damage in children. The author points out that nearly half of the infants born with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection develop a hearing loss; but this hearing loss does not develop until later (late-onset hearing loss), which suggests that babies born with congenital cytomegalovirus should have their hearing consistently monitored. This paper relates that, as yet, there is no vaccine against human cytomegalovirus, but there are methods of management and treatment, which prevent infection and reactivation of infection or suppress and preempt current infection.
From the Paper "Human congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common intrauterine infection and can be present in three forms; latent, non-productive yet asymptomatic, or productive and symptomatic. Cytomegalovirus is also the largest member of the herpes virus family. This is because it is common for hearing loss and other symptoms of the virus to occur later in life after infancy, as the virus is a member of the betaherpesviridae family where slow growth of the virus is common. Ninety-five percent of infants born with the Cytomegalovirus infection appear normal. It can infect both humans and animals. This virus can be transmitted through oropharyngeal secretions, urine, cervical and vaginal secretions, spermatic fluids, breast milk and blood, and is usually transmitted to a fetus by transplacental means. The studies mentioned in this paper focus strictly on human congenital cytomegalovirus."
Abstract This paper provides a brief look at what a congenital abnormality is, the different types such as dwarfism and cleft lip and then discusses the various causes behind these disorders such as genetics, medication and drugs.
From the Paper "There are many types of congenital disorders, for example: dwarfism, conjoined twins, deformed or missing limbs, misshapen body parts etc. The cleft lip deformity is the most common congenital deformity seen in the United States. Some of these deformities can be rectified by undergoing a series of plastic surgeries and intensive physical therapy. On average, a person born with a cleft lip needs to undergo approximately 7 operations on their lip over a wide period of time. It is always important for a baby born with a physical deformity to have a thorough evaluation from a dysmorphologist (someone who specializes in genetic related disorders) and a pediatrician familiar with congenital disorders. Most babies are born healthy. "
Abstract This paper discusses congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It begins by defining CAH and describing the developmental and physical conditions that are associated with the disorder. The paper then describes possible surgical interventions to correct any abnormalities and discusses the arguments for and against such procedures from a legal, ethical and social perspective.
Table of Contents:
Physical and Developmental
Medical and Surgical
Legal
Social, Psychological, Counseling
Ethical
From the Paper "Some sectors have severely objected to reshaping the genitals of underage children and the ethics of genital surgery, calling it mutilation rather than mere circumcision, repair or corrective surgery (Glass 2004). They deplored all genital cutting of children, regardless of gender, religion and local custom and urged that the rights of women and intersex people be protected. It was not just the ethics but the effectiveness of the surgical procedure, which has been questioned. Little data could neither support the adequacy of such a procedure, according to Dr. Cathy Minto of the University College London Hospitals (Johnson 2001). Her team studied 44 teen girls who underwent reconstructive genital surgery in childhood and found that 43 required further intervention for function or cosmetic purposes. Since the late 70s, female CAH infants have been subjected to surgery to feminize them by reducing the size of their clitoris in order to normalize the appearance of their genitalia. Dr. Sarah Creighton, a gynecologist consultant at the hospital questioned the need for the surgery before puberty when small girls do not use vaginas. She believed that clitoral surgery should be postponed when the girl is older and can think about the issue herself (Johnson). As things stood, clitoral surgery deprived the patient of the capacity for orgasm."
Abstract Scientific discussion of external factors that might affect pregnancy and foster congenital birth defects in newborns. Prenatal development. Effect of pharmaceuticals, legal chemical substances, alcohol, narcotics & tobacco use by women on pregnancy. Effect of absence of essential nutrients such as Zinc. Cites several other causes of congenital birth defects. Variables. Problem of serious diseases of pregnant women & necessary drugs.
From the Paper "This research examines the phenomenon of teratogens, or factors external to the physical experience of pregnancy, during the period of gestation, which may affect pregnancy outcomes by fostering congenital birth defects in newborns. The research will set forth the clinical context in which teratogenic agents achieve relevance for the course of pregnancy in the modern period, and then discuss the impact that concern about teratogens may have on efficient and prudent pregnancy management.
On the face of things, the generally accepted definition of a teratogen would appear to be straightforwardly informative. Mosby's initially defines a teratogen as "any substance, agent, or process that interferes with normal prenatal development, causing the formation of one or more developmental abnormalities in the fetus" (Teratogen, 1998, p. 89). However, amplification of the..."
Abstract Short Stature is defined as the condition of children with a height that is equal to or greater than 3 standard deviations (SD) below the mean height for age. This paper focuses on the congenital type of the disease. The papers discusses signs and symptoms of congenital short stature before moving on to the origins and causes of the disease. Some of the causes discussed are normal variants, endocrine and non-endocrine. Finally, the paper discusses treatment and intervention for a twelve-year old patient.
From the Paper "Taking for example the treatment with growth hormone therapy, it has been found that the therapy involves injecting growth hormones to the patient. Derived from DNA recombinant technology, the growth hormones have been found to be most effective when administered on a daily basis, rather than with gaps in between injections. Hence, the ideal condition would be to administer injections on a daily basis, and families and care takers must ensure that the patient is injected everyday. The growth hormone therapy, though found to be effective, also has side effects that are often associated with the doses of the hormones. Excessive amounts of growth hormones can bring about diabetic type symptoms with increased blood sugar levels. Other probable side effects noted include excessive growth of soft tissues of the body, including heart muscles leading to the development of heart disease. (Fennoy, 2003)"
Abstract The thyroid is a small gland that lies just under the skin below the Adam's apple in the neck. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. This paper will look at congenital hypothyroidism - the form of hypothyroidism present at birth
From the Paper "The thyroid is a small gland that lies just under the skin below the Adam's apple in the neck. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. This paper will look at congenital hypothyroidism - the form of hypothyroidism present at birth.
The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones which control the speed at which the body's chemical functions proceed. Thyroid hormones control the metabolic rate by stimulating almost every tissue in the body to produce proteins, and by increasing the amount of oxygen that cells use. The thyroid gland needs iodine to function correctly, and this is obtained from the diet. Thyroid hormone production is controlled by a feedback mechanism via the pituitary gland (Berkow, Beers & Fletcher, 1997). First the hypothalamus, located in the brain just above ..."
Abstract "Cystic Fibrosis: The Facts" is a comprehensive, informative and well-written book about the disease and its treatments. The paper explains how authors, Ann Harris and Maurice Super address the book to a general audience, making the book extremely accessible to laypeople. The paper first discusses the book, chapter by chapter and then provides an overview of this congenital disease that mainly affects the digestive and respiratory systems. The paper discusses the causes, symptoms and treatment of the disease, using Harris and Super's book as a reference.
From the Paper "Newborn babies diagnosed with cystic fibrosis exhibit meconium ileus, a blockage of the lower intestine that causes abdominal swelling and bilious vomit. Surgery is necessary to correct meconium ileus. Children past the newborn stage who have cystic fibrosis will have symptoms like abdominal distension, loose and malodorous stool, and rectal prolapse. All these problems are associated with an improper functioning of the small intestine. In some cases, children with cystic fibrosis will develop a mild form of diabetes. In about 10% of cystic fibrosis cases, no gastrointestinal symptoms will be present. However, GI symptoms are usually detected far before respiratory ones are. The sweat glands are also affected by cystic fibrosis, as the disease causes increased electrolyte presence in the sweat. In fact, using sweat as a diagnostic measure is one of the safest and most reliable tests for cystic fibrosis."
Abstract In this paper the author examines the life of Kyle Maynard who was born a congenital amputee. The author looks at the courage that Maynard faced despite adversity at every stage. Maynard did not let the fact that he was different from other kids get in the way of his sporting achievements and he became a top wrestler. The author relates many aspects of Maynard's life as a definition of courage as he sees it. In particular he looks at how Maynard forced himself to play football as a child and wrestled despite the glaring differences to other children. The author clearly believes that Maynard is not a disabled man because disabled people have limitations that prevent them from completing routine functions, but Maynard does not fail to complete anything. He believes that Maynard is an innovator. A man that has found the courage to face fear, and develop new ways to accomplish the same challenges as any other person, with his own unique approach. The author concludes with his belief that Maynard is the epitome of what courage stands for.
From the Paper "Kyle is courageous, but not because he participated in football and wrestling. Thousands of people play sports every year. Certainly there is inherent pressure, but that alone does not make one courageous. What makes Kyle courageous is that he played both sports in the face of cynicism from outside forces. Despite his obvious and glaring physical shortcomings, he went out and performed at a high level. That despite the fact that he could not walk, run or throw, he played football, a sport that cherishes those very abilities. That in the face of a seventeen match losing streak, he found his way to the mat for that eighteenth match, and somewhere inside himself overcame his disability, to prove that in fact he had no disability."
Abstract The paper defines the term "diaphragmatic hernia", notes its position in the body and its function, and states that it is a high risk condition found in new born babies. The paper identifies the classification of the various types and states reasons with regard to their development, identifying that the types are gender specific. The paper also discusses the treatment and surgical procedure to correct the problem, as well as complications that may arise. The paper concludes that congenital diaphragmatic hernia may be prevented through early tracheal occlusions.
Outline:
What is a diaphragmatic hernia?
How do doctors approach diaphragmatic hernias today as opposed to ten years ago?
Are the surgical procedures different than other hernias?
What kind of complication can newborns have from this problem?
Can a diaphragmatic hernia be detected through any mean of modern testing during pregnancy?
Can a diaphragmatic hernia be prevented?
From the Paper "Diaphragmatic hernia can be diagnosed before twenty five weeks of pregnancy. The diagnostic result during prenatal period will depend on the efficiency of ultrasonography techniques used. A rate 2 ultrasonography will show polyhydramnios and the non appearance of intra abdominal gastric air bubbles, hydrops fetalis and mediastinal shift. The Ultrasonography also explains the formation of hernia in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. (Lewis; Glick; Minkes, 2006) The huge quantity of amniotic fluid in pregnant women assists the assessment of contents in the cavity of chest in a fetus through ultrasound. Ultrasound can check for unusual movements in the chest, sense regularity in the breath of the child, abdomen related sound in chest and the absence of enough contents in the abdomen."
Abstract This paper examines the development of the lower limb from the third week of gestation until birth, that is, from ventrolateral swelling until the development of foot plates and the rotation of the lower limb. It then discusses the rare congenital defect known as sirenomelia, or mermaid syndrome. It describes the most common anomalies of sirenomelia and discusses what is understood about the etiology of this malformation.
Table of Contents:
Lower Limb Development
Sirenomelia
From the Paper "Some scientists believe sirenomelia to be linked to Caudal Regression Syndrome. This condition is a consequence of abnormal development of derivatives of the caudal mesodermal axis before 28 days gestation of the embryo (Kallen, 1973). Sirenomelia has also been associated with maternal diabetes. Scientists believe that the altered oxidative metabolism from diabetes may lead to increased production of free oxygen radicals in the developing fetus, which could be teratogenic (Kadian, 2008). Keeping that in mind, as the average body mass index of humans increases so does the incidence of maternal diabetes. This increased incidence of diabetes might lead to an increase in the number of babies born with birth defects like sirenomelia in the future."
Abstract The paper discusses the subject of heart disease in young adults, with information for young adults to assist them with their understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The paper comments that many young adults consider heart disease as an old person's disease. The paper also notes that young adults may become more aware that individuals of all ages, even their age, can have CVD. The paper provides the strategies presented to combat heart disease. Charts, tables, and a flow chart are included with the paper.
Outline:
More than Knowing Something
Research Considerations
Current and Projected Concerns
Strategies to Address Concerns
The Causes and Cures Contributed to Heart Disease
Programs Can...
New Considerations
Coffee... Tea... Vitamin C Claims
Steps to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
Congenital and Chronic Disease Concerns
Hope for Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Most Likely - Yet Less Likely
Tomorrow's Time Bomb Question?
Can Heart Disease be Prevented?
Do The Right Thing
Unlearning Risk Factors
From the Paper "What is currently known about heart disease, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, because young adults are "increasingly adopting unhealthy lifestyles," (Reinhardt), resulting increasing consequences of those lifestyle choices also increase. Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks as the leading cause of death globally, reportedly contributing to one third of all deaths each year. "The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was launched on 26 September 2004 to coincide with the fifth annual World Heart Day, a major driving force for encouraging heart disease and stroke prevention worldwide."
Abstract This paper discusses how physicians can screen for the cardiac defect 'total anomalous pulmonary venous return'. It examines the research of treating the problem and it suggests managing the disease through teamwork with a pediatric cardiologist, a cardiac surgeon and neonatologist.
From the Paper "Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a congenital heart defect. Caused by the abnormal development of a fetus's heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, the vessels that feed blood that has traveled back from the heart to the lungs are improperly connected. During the middle of this fetal development period, the tricuspid valve does not develop properly - ventricular development is influenced by blood flowing through it, and since no blood is able to pass through the tricuspid valve, the right ventricle remains small.In a normal heart, oxygen-poor, or blue, blood returns to the right atrium after it has circulated through the body, travels to the right ventricle and then is pumped through the pulmonary artery into the lungs where it is enriched with oxygen. That oxygen-rich, or red, blood returns to the left atrium from the lungs through four pulmonary veins. It then passes into the left ventricle and is then pumped back out for circulation throughout the body."
Abstract This paper discusses the health problems commonly encountered by the Amish population and suggests reasons why these problems prevail in their community, including lack of knowledge of treatment options, or the use of 'natural' remedies when more conventional therapies are required.
From the Paper "Problems that are commonly encountered among the Amish are obesity, birth defects as a result of hereditary diseases, and communicable diseases (Bavley 1996). In an article written by Alan Bavley, medical writer for the Kansas City Star newspaper, the Amish are characterized as a community susceptible to the said diseases because of their culture as a society. Bavley stated in his article that the Amish tend to be obese because of their ?healthy diet,? that is, the Amish are people who eat heartily, because, as they reason out, part of being healthy is "to look healthy, eat heartily, and" perform strenuous work.? In addition, the Amish are also susceptible to communicable diseases like polio and tetanus. In fact, there has been a major outbreak of polio in 1979 in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Canada (Robinson 2002). This outbreak happened because most of the Amish were unvaccinated from the said disease during that time. The polio outbreak became possible because of the closeness of the Amish as a community, and their being a collectivist society is the main reason why communicable diseases become prevalent in their society. Another health problem are hereditary diseases and birth defects caused by inbreeding (intermarriage) among the Amish. The Amish are only small in population, and their community requires its members to marry only to people who are within their community. As a result, due to their small population, and limited choice for partners (since they are a "closed" community), the Amish acquire hereditary diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart defects, and congenital diseases as a result of their intermarriage (Bavley 1996)."
Abstract The paper begins with describing the disease and examines its symptoms and forms. It then looks at ways to diagnose the disease through EMGs nerve conduction velocity, muscle biopsy, blood enzyme testing and other genetic testing. The question of treatment is then discussed , specifying treatment such as multidisciplinary team care, adaptive equipment, exercise, diet, orthopedics, surgery, medication, respiratory therapy, and counseling. Current research of the disease is discussed, concluding with a brief history of muscular dystrophy research.
From the Paper "Muscular dystrophy is a crippling disorder caused by the gradual wasting of skeletal muscle and is the most common muscle disease of children. Its course is progressive, with increased weakness and reduction of muscle mass and function. This is caused by changes in the physical and chemical structure of the surface and the internal membranes of the muscle cells. In addition, these children may have learning disabilities or cognitive impairments (Batshaw, 1997). Although the chromosomal location and the underlying gene for most forms of muscular dystrophy have been identified, remission does not occur (Case-Smith, 2001). Clinical forms of the disease are recognized based on the pattern of inheritance, age when symptoms are first noticed, and distribution of the muscles earliest involved."
