Congenital abnormalities

Concentrations of PCBs in fish from each of the Great Lakes currently exceed the GLWQA objectives for the protection of aquatic life. Similarly, concentrations of some substances (e.g., PCBs, Hg, mirex, toxaphene) in Great Lakes fish continue to exceed acceptable guidelines for human consumption. Documented effects in the Great Lakes include reproductive failure, congenital abnormalities and induction of tumours in various aquatic, terrestrial and avian species (23). 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Enveloped, icosahedral particles 150nm in diameter CMV is generally acquired in childhood as a subclinical infection. About 50% of adults carry the virus in a dormant state in white blood cells. The virus can cause severe disease (pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis) in immunocompromised patients. Primary infections during pregnancy can induce serious congenital abnormalities in the fetus... 

Togaviruses Rubella Spherical particles 70 nm in diameter, a tightly adherent envelope surrounds an icosahedral capsid Causes German measles in children. An infection contracted in the early stages of pregnancy can induce severe multiple congenital abnormalities, e.g. deafness, blindness, heart disease and mental retardation... 

Asmatullah, A., Qureshi, S.N., and Shakoori, A.R., Hexavalent chromium induced congenital abnormalities in chick embryos, Journal of Applied Toxicology, 18 (3), 167-171, 1998. 

Gilani, S.H. and M. Marano. 1980. Congenital abnormalities in nickel poisoning in chick embryos. Arch. 

Uncomplicated UTIs are not associated with structural or neurologic abnormalities that may interfere with the normal flow of urine or the voiding mechanism. Complicated UTIs are the result of a predisposing lesion of the urinary tract such as a congenital abnormality or distortion of the urinary tract, a stone, indwelling catheter, prostatic hypertrophy, obstruction, or neurologic deficit that interferes with the normal flow of urine and urinary tract defenses. 

Clark, R.L., Anderson, C.A., Prahalada, S., Leonard, Y.M., Stevens, J.L. and Hoberman, A.M. (1990a). 5a-reductase inhibitor-induced congenital abnormalities in male rat external genitalia. Teratology 41 544. 

Most cases of mercury poisoning led to handicap, chronic disease, or death. The most frequent symptoms include numbness of limbs, lips and tongue, speech abnormalities, limb function disorders, visual acuity disorders, deafness, and muscular atrophy. Insomnia, hyperactivity, and coma have also been reported. Methylmercury penetrates the blood-brain barrier and causes central nervous system injuries. Mercury also has a teratogenic effect, leading to congenital abnormalities or congenital Minamata disease. 

Is associated with a congenital abnormality/ birth defect. 

This also includes congenital abnormalities/birth defects and serious adverse clinical consequences with use outside the terms of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) including overdoses or abuse. 

Of considerable concern, was the scale of the disaster resulting from its protracted marketing, the manufacturer continuing to deny all evidence of a causal relationship between these congenital abnormalities and the drug. Worldwide, there were an estimated 10 000 babies with phocomelia and other allied deformities, including more than... 

Male exposure to DCBP has also been associated with an increased frequency of spontaneous abortions in wives of exposed workers, but congenital abnormalities have not been reported among children of workers who received sufficient DBCP exposure to induce oligospermia. ... 

In a multigeneration study of reproductive effects, levels of 500 or 125ppm did not effect fertility, litter production, or litter size and did not cause congenital abnormalities. Lens opacities were found in the parents and Fi and F2 generation receiving 500 ppm, but not at the 12 5 ppm level. 

Reproductive effects from lead exposure have been documented in animals and human beings of both sexes. High occupational exposure levels in pregnant women have been associated with increased incidences of spontaneous abortions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Some studies also seem to indicate that prenatal exposure to lower levels of lead may increase the risk of preterm delivery and reduced birth weight. Lead penetrates the placental barrier and has caused congenital abnormalities in animals. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that low-level lead exposure leads to an increased incidence of... 

In several epidemiological studies, no increased risk for congenital abnormalities, stillbirths, or spontaneous abortions was observed with occupational exposure to mercury. Exposure of pregnant rats on gestational days 10-15 at 0.5mg/m resulted in an increased incidence of resorptions gross cranial defects occurred at this dose when it was administered throughout the entire gestational period. "... 

In six cases of thallium intoxication of pregnant women during their first trimester, no congenital abnormalities were observed. Fetal mortality was reported in one case where the mother was severely affected maternal signs included dyesthesias in the hands and feet, difficulty in walking, vertigo, and alopecia. ... 

Pregnancy Category C. During postmarketing experience, cases of congenital abnormalities have been reported. 

There is very limited evidence available on the effectiveness of the drugs in pregnant women. A possible increase in risk of stillbirth with the use of mefloquine in pregnancy has been reported. Standard adult dose of antimalarial drugs recommended for 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy did not cause harm or congenital abnormalities. Evidence on the safety of all recommended antimalarial drugs in the 1st trimester is still unclear. 

Effects on pregnancy were sought by examining statistics for abortions, stillbirths, and congenital abnormalities. These statistics gave no indication of any Increase In abortions, stillbirths, or congenital abnormalities. 

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