Congenital disorder

From ArticleWorld

Congenital disorders are physical or mental disorders present at birth and can be minor such as a birthmark or very serious affecting one or several parts of the body to such an extent as to be problematic. They are also responsible for infant deaths at a rate of two per thousand. Congenital birth defects affect about 2% to 3% of all newborns. The brain is most commonly affected, followed by the heart, kidneys and limbs.

Causes

About a quarter of all congenital disorders are due to genetic abnormalities, some of which are inherited, and others which are the result of a new mutation. The environment within the uterus can also be hostile to the developing fetus. Dietary deficiencies, toxic effects due to exposure to harmful substances or drugs and infections contracted during pregnancy such as rubella and syphilis can all affect the fetus. There are many congenital disorders, however, for which the cause is not known and these are called ‘sporadic birth defects.

Types

Congenital disorders can be divided into categories. Birth defects include structural malformations of the body; a congenital physical anomaly is an abnormality most of us have in a minor form; a congenital malformation is a physical anomaly serious enough to be considered problematic; genetic diseases may not be evident at birth but become obvious with age; and finally, congenital metabolic disease which is also known as an inborn error of metabolism.