Reflections on the etiology of structural birth defects: Established teratogens and risk factors

ConclusionThere are numerous risk factors, some modifiable, that have been proposed in recent years. These factors (associations) are only at the preliminary level in the causal chain and require replication. There is a need for more work on protective factors. The phenotypic characterization of cases with congenital defects has improved remarkably in recent years. However, there remains considerable concern with the precise characterization of exposures and the documentation of timing during embryologic development. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:652–655, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology - June 20, 2015 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Marcia L. Feldkamp, Lorenzo D. Botto, John C. Carey Tags: Editorial Source Type: research