Environmental factors in the etiology of congenital malformations in Egyptians

ABSTRACT

Among 500 cases with birth defects referred to the Human Genetics Department, National Research Center over a period of one year, 16 cases [3.2%], were selected for this study because they had positive history of exposure to teratogenic agents during early pregnancy. None of the studied cases had history of exposure to mutagenic or teratogenic agents prior to pregnancy.Environmental agents associated with the malformations were as follows hormonal treatment in 9 cases, maternal diabetes in 3 cases, maternal rubella in 2 cases, maternal exposure to irradiation in one case, and lastly maternal intake of antimalarial drugs in one case. From this study we can emphasize the role played by environmental factors in the etiology of malformations in our country as it represents 3.2% of the referred cases with birth defects. We also confirm the recommendation to avoid the use of sex-steroid hormones and other teratogenic drugs during the period of organogenesis. Pregnant mothers should avoid exposure to irradiation and be immunized against viral infections particularly rubella before being pregnant. Diabetes should be adequately controlled by the use of insulin especially that no proof exists for its teratogenicity