Incidence Of Congenital Malformations Research Articles

Study of clinical profile and associated risk factors for congenital malformations in neonates: a hospital based prospective study

Background: Congenital malformations are major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and account for 8-10% of all peri-natal deaths especially in developing countries. Incidence of congenital malformation is increasing owing to reduction in other causes of neonatal deaths due to improvement in perinatal care worldwide. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence, perinatal variables and contributing risk factors associated with birth defects that will help to plan future strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and timely management. Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective observational study conducted in department of pediatrics of a tertiary care centre of western India over period of two year. All new-borns with anatomical congenital malformations detected antenatal or postnatal (prior to discharge) period were included in this study. Detailed and careful clinical examination was carried out for all new-born.Results: The incidence of congenital malformation in the present study is 1.27%. Prematurity (76.1%), low birth weight (68%) and male neonates (67%) were associated with increased risk of congenital malformation. Most common system involved in this study was cranio-spinal system (47.3%). Overall, most common congenital anomaly was Hydrocephalus with meningomyelocele (8%). Among maternal variables, malnutrition (90%), consanguinity (40%) and abortions (40%) are strongly associated with malformations. Conclusions: Congenital malformations are important cause of neonatal death. Strategies to diagnose, prevent, treat and rehabilitate the neonate are utmost necessary. Early screening to identify high risk pregnancies and timely management is strongly recommended.

A Five Years Study of Occurrence and Associated Risk Factors for Birth Defects in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Nepal

Introduction: Congenital anomalies account for 7.0% of neonatal deaths in Nepal. The present study was carried out to determine the overall rate of congenital malformations, incidence and prevalence in live births, still birth and incidence affecting various organ systems, at Bharatpur Hospital, Nepal.
 Methods: All the intramural deliveries between Jan 2015 to Dec 2019 were included in the study. All the newborns were looked for congenital malformations after birth within seven days. Antenatal ultrasonography findings were noted. 2D echocardiography was also used for all congenital heart diseases, along with routine X-ray chest. A total of 131 babies with congenital problem were studied and the information was recorded in WHO NBBD Proforma. Data were recorded in MS Excel and SPSS 16 version was used for analysis. 
 Results: Out of the total 60160 deliveries, 131 (0.21% of total birth) were with congenital malformations, sex wise distribution was 65 (49.5%) females and 63 (48.7%) males and three (1.8%) were ambiguous. Oro-facial malformation (49, 37.4%) was the commonest form of malformation followed by the musculoskeletal system (31, 23.6 %), centre nervous system (31, 23.6%) and congenital malformations of genital organs (8, 6.0%). 
 Conclusions: The incidence of congenital malformation in this study was 0.21%. Females were more common than males and oro-facial malformation was the commonest type of malformation. Lack of antenatal visit, lack of folic acid during pre-conception period and low socioeconomic status were the commonest risk factors.

Analysis of pediatric neurosurgical diseases: A single-center study

Objective To summarize the clinical epidemiological characteristics of pediatric neurosurgical diseases at a single center. Methods A total of 5 790 children (≤15 years old) with neurosurgical diseases admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University from January 2008 to June 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. Their clinical data were analyzed and included the distribution of various diseases and clinical characteristics such as age, gender and lesion location. Results All 5 790 children included 2 259 cases (39.0%) of congenital malformation, 1 561 cases of tumor (27.0%), 953 cases of trauma (16.5%), 360 cases of cerebrovascular disease (6.2%), 159 cases of inflammation (2.7%), 91 cases of functional disorder (1.6%) and 407 cases of other diseases (7.0%). The gender ratio (male ∶female) was 1.76 ∶1.00. In all kinds of diseases, the proportion of male children was higher than that of female children, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The overall peak age of onset was 0-3 years old. Congenital malformations and tumors were predominant in 0-3 years old (42.9%) and 13-15 years old (26.3%), respectively. Three most frequent congenital malformations were arachnoid cyst (29.6%), hydrocephalus (28.2%) and tethered cord syndrome (20.0%). Temporal lobe was the most common site of arachnoid cyst (45.4%). Three most common tumors were glioma (19.7%), craniopharyngioma (9.0%) and medulloblastoma (8.8%). The ratios of brain tumors to spinal canal tumors, supratentorial tumors to infratentorial tumors and low-grade tumors to high-grade tumors were 5.61 ∶1.00, 1.73 ∶1.00 and 1.67 ∶1.00, respectively. Primary brain injury(365 cases) accounted for 58.6% of traumatic diseases and 59.2% (the highest proportion) of primary brain injury was brain contusion and laceration. In cerebrovascular diseases, the proportion of spontaneous hemorrhage (27.2%) was the highest. The most common inflammatory disease was inflammatory granuloma(22.6%). In addition, with the increase of age, the incidence of congenital malformation decreased gradually, while the incidence of cerebrovascular diseases increased gradually(both P<0.001). Conclusions Pediatric neurosurgical diseases have unique clinical epidemic characteristics. Congenital malformations and tumors are more common, and the incidence of arachnoid cysts and gliomas seems to be the highest. In various diseases, the incidence of male is higher than that of female, and the peak ages are different. Key words: Child; Neurosurgery; Epidemiology; Single-center study

INCIDENCE OF CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS AMONG NEWBORNS IN ECOLOGICALLY UNFAVORABLE TERRITORIES OF THE BRYANSK REGION (2000-2017)

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence congenital malformation of congenital malformations in newborns in territories of the Bryansk region with different levels of radioactive, chemical and combined environmental pollution using official statistics for the period 2000-2017. Methods: Shapiro-Wilk test, White test, Wilcoxon T-test, Spearman rank correlation test and regression models were used to study associations between radioactive, chemical and combined pollution and the incidence of congenital malformations in the region and prognosis using the inverse relationship. Results. The incidence of polydactyly, multiple congenital malformations and the amount of de novo birth defects in newborns is significantly lower in the most ecologically favorable districts than in areas with radiation, chemical and combined pollution. For polydactyly - at the level of significance (p), 0.003-0.023 (decrease by 4.7-7.4 times), for the amount of multiple congenital malformations - 0.001-0.054 (2.5-6.8 times) and for amount of de novo birth defects - 0.0010.007 (3.5-4.6 times). Statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of multiple congenital malformations in the conditions of combined pollution in comparison with similar indicators in the territories of radioactive (2.2 times, p = 0.034) and chemical (1.9 times, p = 0.008) pollution (values 1.48; 0.67 and 0.78). A decrease in the long-term trend of frequency of multiple congenital malformations in the period 2000-2017 was revealed on the territories of combined pollution, and increase - on territories of radioactive and chemical pollution. Nevertheless, the predicted values of the frequency of multiple congenital malformations on the territories of combined pollution by 2018-2023 will significantly (p = 0.027) exceed the indicators of the territories of radioactive and chemical pollution by 39.6 and 45.7 % (values 1.18; 0.845; 0.81). Conclusions. Our results suggest synergistic effect of radiation and chemical pollution on the incidence of multiple congenital malformations.

Spectrum of Neonatal Surgical Problems in the Newborn: Incidence, Clinical Course, Immediate Outcome, Follow up Study in a Tertiary Care NICU

Background: A congenital anomaly may be defined in terms of physical structure as a malformation, an abnormality of physical structure or form usually found at birth or during the first few weeks of life. Congenital anomalies affect approximately 1 in 33 infants and result in approximately 3.2 million birth defect-related disabilities every year. Congenital anomalies or birth defects are relatively common, affecting 3% to 5% of live births in the United States (US) and 2.1% in Europe. Congenital anomalies account for 8% to 15% of perinatal deaths and 13% to 16% of neonatal deaths in India.&#x0D; Objectives: To provide an insight on the burden and types of surgical problems encountered in our NICU of Bapuji Child Health Institute &amp; Research Center, JJM Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka, India and to study the incidence, clinical profile and outcome of surgical condition. Methodology: A total of 3820 babies were examined over a period of 2 years. The relevant information was documented on a semi-structured proforma and analysed.&#x0D; Results: Overall incidence of congenital malformations at birth was 24.8 per 1000 births. The GIT system (51.58%) was most commonly involved followed by respiratory system (26.32%). The incidence of congenital malformation was more in male babies than female babies. Increased frequency was seen in babies born to mothers between 26–30 years &amp; primigravida. The factors which significantly increased the rate of congenital malformations were consanguinity in parents &amp; bad obstetric history. Out of 95 cases, 72% got discharged normally, 18% died in NICU and 10% got discharged against medical advise.&#x0D; Conclusion: With emphasis on “small family” norms and population control it is necessary to identify malformations so that interventional programmes can be planned. Systematic clinical examination of newborns for early detection of anomalies that may warrant medical or surgical intervention. Accurate antenatal anomaly scan need to be done to identify major malformations and terminate the pregnancy.

Incidence of congenital malformations and proximity to mining in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Incidence of congenital malformations and proximity to mining in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

To Find Out the Incidence of Congenital Malformation in Pregnancies with Polyhydramnios: A Hospital Based Observational Study

To Find Out the Incidence of Congenital Malformation in Pregnancies with Polyhydramnios: A Hospital Based Observational Study

The interaction of maternal diabetes with mutations that affect folate metabolism and how they affect the development of neural tube defects in mice.

Abnormalities in maternal folate and carbohydrate metabolism have both been shown to induce neural tube defects (NTDs) in humans and animal models. Nevertheless, how these two factors might interact in the development of NTDs remains unclear. In specific mouse models and embryo culture systems, we assessed the effects of combining maternal diabetes with mutations in genes involved in folate transport and metabolism (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [Mthfr] and folic acid receptor 1 [Folr1]). When maternal hyperglycemia is combined with alterations in folic acid metabolism, there appears to be an increase in the incidence of congenital malformations in the offspring, with NTDs representing the majority of the malformations detected. The teratogenic effects of diabetes during pregnancy are exacerbated when combined with altered embryonic folate metabolism.

Incidence of congenital malformations and impact on the mortality of neonatal canines

Canine congenital malformations are structural or functional abnormalities of organs present at birth that possibly interfere with the viability of newborns, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. This study evaluated and described the incidence of congenital malformations in neonatal dogs and determined the mortality rates among those affected. Of the 178 litters and 803 newborns included in the study, 24.7% (44/178) of the litters presented neonates with congenital malformations. The total rate of neonates that presented malformations was 6.7% (64/803). The total mortality rate in newborns with congenital defects was 5.4% (44/803), representing 68.7% (44/64) of the deaths observed among those affected. The early (0–2 days old) and late (3–30 days old) mortality rates among the affected neonates were 61.4% (27/44) and 38.6% (17/44), respectively. In total, 27 malformations were recorded, and the most common congenital defects were cleft palate 2.8% (23/803) and hydrocephaly 1.5% (12/803), either alone or associated with other malformations. The malformations were recorded in 15 breeds: Pug, Miniature Pinscher, Rottweiler, Pitbull, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, German Spitz, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih-tzu, Brazilian Terrier and mixed breed. One case of exposure to a teratogenic agent was reported, but no maternal exposure to teratogens during gestation was reported with the other litters. The occurrence of congenital defects may be related to genetic factors since the highest incidence of malformations (84.4%) was observed in purebred dogs.

Seroprevalence and pregnancy outcome in Rubella infection in antenatal women with bad obstetric history: A case control study

Seroprevalence and pregnancy outcome in Rubella infection in antenatal women with bad obstetric history: A case control study - IJOGR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-2746 Online ISSN No:- 2394-2754 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2394-2754.2019.0006, Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research-Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res

Effects of assisted reproductive technologies in neonates with indications for surgery (2007-2016).

Recently, the number of births using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has increased. An associated increase in the incidence of congenital malformations in babies conceived using this technology has also been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the rate of malformations in babies with neonatal surgical diseases, who were conceived using ART. Between January 2007 and December 2016, 1737 patients were admitted to our hospital. We analyzed the incidence of congenital cardiac diseases, genetic anomalies, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in neonates conceived by ART. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the odds ratios (ORs) for congenital malformations. A P-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The OR for CAKUT was 16.94 for the first-birth neonates conceived using ART, [P < 0.05, AUC (area under the curve) = 0.86]. However, for non-surgery neonates, the OR for CAKUT was 5.99 (P = 0.15, AUC = 0.87), compared to 32.27 (P < 0.05, AUC = 0.93) for parallel conditions in surgery-neonates. Neonates conceived using ART are prone to develop CAKUT, which will need surgical treatment. Therefore, more management is necessary for associated malformations in these babies, particularly in cases with CAKUT.

Fresh versus frozen embryo transfer for full-term singleton birth: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundImprovements in vitrification and frozen embryo transfer (FET) technologies have rapidly increased, and some evidence suggests that FET may increase pregnancy rates and lead to more favourable perinatal outcomes. However, the outcome of interest should be offspring safety. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to investigate whether FET was preferable to fresh embryo transfer (ET) in terms of full-term neonatal birthweight and congenital malformations.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients with no pregnancy-related complications who underwent first fresh ETs (n = 2059) or FETs (n = 2053), resulting in full-term singletons births. Outcome measures were neonatal birthweight, low birthweight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and congenital malformations. Additionally, we used logistic regression to adjust for baseline characteristics (age, BMI, No. of embryos transferred and embryo stage) between the two groups.ResultsThe mean neonatal birthweight was higher for singletons born after FET than for singletons born after fresh ET (3468.7 ± 475.3 vs. 3386.7 ± 448.1; p < 0.001). The frequencies of full-term singleton LBW and SGA after FET were significantly lower than those after fresh ET (1.7% vs. 3.0 and 4.4% vs. 6.7%, respectively), with adjusted rate ratios of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.37 to 0.98; p = 0.026) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.99; p = 0.041), respectively. FET resulted in higher frequencies of macrosomia and LGA (15.1% vs 10.2 and 22.8% vs. 17.5%, respectively) than fresh ET, with adjusted rate ratios of 1.43 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.75; p = 0.001) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.49; p = 0.007), respectively. Furthermore, the incidence of congenital malformations was not different between the two groups (1.2% vs. 0.9%), with a rate ratio of 0.288.ConclusionsAfter the cycles with pregnancy-related complications were excluded and after adjustments for baseline characteristics, women undergoing FET were associated with a higher neonatal birthweight than women undergoing fresh ET cycles. Additionally, the FET protocol was associated with lower rates of LBW and SGA and higher rates of macrosomia and LGA than the fresh ET protocol. Meanwhile, no difference in the congenital malformation rate was evident between the two groups.

Clinical observation of severe laryngomalacia an infant

Relevance. Disorders of the larynx are a poorly studied section of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. In recent years, the incidence of congenital malformations of the larynx increases, and laryngomalacia is the most common. Diagnosis of this disease is difficult in the conditions of outpatient department without necessary equipment. However, each doctor should understand the importance of diagnosis of laryngomalacia, because this disease can get a severe form with a potential injury to the life and health of the child, especially during the catarrhal disease.&#x0D; Objectives: development of diagnostic algorithm and the choice of optimal treatment strategy, intended to restoring of laryngeal functions.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Your attention is the case of severe clinical course laringomalacia an infant and its surgical correction in the clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University. The child was observed by the standard method: flexible laryngoscopy, x-ray examination of the neck in the lateral view, x-ray examination of the chest, laboratory blood tests.&#x0D; Results. This article demonstrates the diagnostic algorithm and the choice of optimal treatment strategy, which avoids the imposition of tracheostomy and rehabilitation the child in infancy. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of children with laringomalacia is validated.&#x0D; Conclusions. This clinical case is a striking example of the need for early diagnosis of the type of congenital malformation of the larynx in newborns with congenital stridor and other signs of dysfunction of the larynx.

Поширеність вроджених вад розвитку та мимовільних викиднів у популяциях із різною генетико-демографічною структурою

The article presents the results of studing the dynamics of some genetic and demographic indicators of the regional populations of the Kherson region (the level of interethnic and homolocal mono-ethnic Ukrainian marriages, the endogamy index) during the past 56 years and its influence on the prevalence of congenital malformations and spontaneous miscarriages. The prevalence of congenital malformations in the population correlates with the prevalence of spontaneous miscarriages ( r = -0.52±0.12; t r = 2.4 &gt; t 05 = 2.12) that indicates the presence of a “screening” selection process that eliminates non-viable genotypes in the embryonic period of ontogenesis. The areas in which there has been a significant increase in the share of interethnic marriages over the years of study are characterized by higher mean prevalence rates of congenital malformations (r = 0.50±0.46, t r = 2.3 &gt; t 05 = 2.12) and a low frequency of reproductive losses r = -0.27±0.24, t r = 1.13 &lt; t 05 = 2.12). In regions where there was a reduction in the number of mono-ethnic marriages (an average of 71.2 to 62.9 %), the prevalence of congenital malformations of newborns and reproductive losses (26.0±4.1 and 41.4±6.5 respectively) exceeded the average regional indicators (21.7±3.9 and 36.3±5.9 ‰). The areas that now represent elementary populations (endogamy index 0.5 and above) and in which the proportion of homo-local mono-ethnic Ukrainian marriages is increasing or relatively constant, are characterized by lower average prevalence rates of congenital malformations of newborns (19.3±3.0, respectively ‰ and 17,7±3,4 ‰) in comparison with the populations in which the share of such marriages decreased significantly with time (28.1±4.4) ‰. The frequency of homolocal Ukrainian marriages correlates with the incidence of congenital malformations ( r = -0.37±0.23; t r = 1.59 &lt; t 05 = 2.12), although this relationship is not statistically significant. Correlation analysis also showed a weak positive correlation between the current indicators of the level of endogamous monoethnic Ukrainian marriages and the prevalence of spontaneous abortions in populations ( r = 0.25 ± 0.24, t r = 1.0 &lt; t 05 = 2.12), which indicates possible influence of the genetic drift on the frequency of reproductive losses. The level of endogamy does not significantly affect the prevalence of malformations ( r = -0.20±0.24, t r = 0.8 &lt; t 05 = 2.12). When analyzing the prevalence and structure of congenital and hereditary pathology, the effect of population-genetic and genetic-demographic factors should be taken into account. Investigation of the intensity and direction of population transformations in time should include studying the influence of the triune aspects of their dynamics: micro­evolution factors, genetic and demographic changes, epidemiology of hereditary and congenital pathology.

Malformações congênitas em regiões de monocultivo no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Objective: to analyze the association between the use of agrochemicals and congenital malformations in municipalities with greater exposure, as well as to evaluate the nature of the correlation between the trend observed and the volume of agrochemicals considered as endocrine disruptors in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 1994 and 2014. Model Study: Cross-sectional study, exploratory, descriptive and quantitative character. Method: Rates of malformations for the periods 1994-2003 and 2004-2014 were calculated from the information on live births available at SINASC/Ministry of Health. Odds Ratio tested the association between types of malformations and variables for each variable separately. The significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: there was an increasing trend in the rates of congenital malformation in the state of Minas Gerais, especially at Triângulo Mineiro/Alto Paraíba and Vale do Mucuri/Jequitinhonha regions. It was found that the rates for congenital malformations were higher for the years of greatest exposure (2004-2014) and had a statistically significant association for all congenital malformations in the state of Minas Gerais. Conclusion: Maternal exposure to pesticides was related with higher incidence of congenital malformations.

Neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations in children born after human menopausal gonadotropin and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment cycles.

To investigate neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations in children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vitrified embryo transfer cycles using human menopausal gonadotrophin and medroxyprogesterone acetate (hMG+MPA) treatment. We performed a retrospective cohort study including 4596 live born babies. During January 2014-June 2016, children born after either hMG+MPA treatment, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist short protocol, or mild ovarian stimulation were included. The main outcome measures were neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations. Neonatal outcomes both for singletons and twins such as mean birth weight and length, gestational age, the frequency of preterm birth were comparable between groups. Rate of stillbirth and perinatal death were also similar. No significant differences were found in the overall incidence of congenital malformations between the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that hMG+MPA regimen did not significantly increase the risk of congenital malformations compared with short protocol and mild ovarian stimulation, with adjusted odds ratio of 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-2.44] and 1.38 (CI 0.65-2.93), respectively, after adjusting for confounding factors. Our data suggested that compared with conventional ovarian stimulations, hMG+MPA treatment neither compromised neonatal outcomes of IVF newborns, nor did increase the prevalence of congenital malformations.

“Conceptual Study On The Congenital And Genetic Anomalies W.S.R. To Shad Garbhakara Bhavas”

Despite the advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, medical science has failed to keep the incidence of congenital malformations under control. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system has given due emphasis on this and postulated various measures to minimize the risks. Ayurvedic Acharya’s has great knowledge about genetics. The conglomeration of the six procreative factors (Shad Garbhkara Bhavas) such as Matrija, Pitrija, Aatmaja, Rasaja, Satmyaja, and Sattvaja is must for healthy progeny. The physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of the person, proper nutrition of the mother during pregnancy, and practice of a wholesome regimen, play a prime role in achieving a healthy offspring, thus structuring a healthy family, society, and nation. Present article focuses on various congenital and genetic anomalies in Ayurveda on the basis of modern scientific knowledge.

Profile of congenital malformations in a tertiary care level neonatal intensive care unit

Background: Congenital malformations are important causes of infant and childhood deaths, chronic illness and disability.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of one year in Princess Esra Hospital, a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. All new-borns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit over a period of 1 year from June 2014 to June 2015 were included in the study.Results: The incidence of congenital malformations (CMF) in the present study is 3%. Among the major congenital malformations, the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) malformations were more frequent than others contributing to 28.9% each. The male neonates were more frequently involved than females. Association of low birth and prematurity with increased risk of congenital malformations is also documented.Conclusions: Early prenatal diagnosis and management of common anomalies is strongly recommended.

MICROCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, MORPHOMETRIC, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF CONGENITAL BONE MALFORMATIONS IN TWO NEOTROPICAL VIPERIDS.

Congenital malformations have been reported in all classes of vertebrates and may be a determinant of life span and survival. In reptiles, the incidence of congenital malformations can be associated with genetic and environmental causes, including pollution. The characterization of pathological processes involved in the development of congenital malformations of bone in snakes is rare in the literature, but is of great relevance in the field of reptile conservation and environmental health. We describe congenital bone lesions in 50 newborn jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) and 26 South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrificus) born from wild-caught pregnant females in Southeastern Brazil. Lesions were evaluated by morphometric quantitative analysis, x-ray microtomography, and histopathologic descriptive analysis. Morphometric analysis showed that jararaca presented more severe axial lesions (kyphosis, scoliosis, and kyphoscoliosis) than rattlesnakes. Female rattlesnakes presented more severe axial lesions than did males. In rattlesnakes, spinal deformities were more frequently diagnosed in the caudal segment of the body. We present x-ray microtomographic assessments and images of malformed snakes (n=9) and characterized novel malformations, such as the agenesis of frontal, parietal, and supraoccipital bones in a jararaca specimen. Histopathologic findings included vertebral body fusion, myositis, coagulation necrosis, and disorganization of periaxial muscle fibers. The new methods and results presented in this study will be useful and informative for future research in pathology, teratology, embryology, and ecotoxicology in snakes.

Grossesse et accouchement de l’adolescente : le pronostic obstétrical est-il plus défavorable entre 13 et 15 ans ?

ObjectiveTo assess the prognosis of pregnancy and delivery of 13–15years old patients compared to teenagers aged of 16–17. MethodsSingle-center retrospective study of a continuous series of 13–15 teenagers followed in a public maternity between 1996 and 2012 compared to a series of patients aged of 16–17 matched on the day of the delivery (two controls for a case). ResultsSeventy-three teens 13–15 were followed during the study period, and 146 adolescents aged 16–17 were included and matched. The two groups did not differ regarding size, weight or medical history. Younger patients were more often educated than older ones (46.6 vs 27.4%, P<0.01). The incidence of congenital malformations was high but substantially identical in the two groups (9.6 vs 11.0%, NS), as well as prematurity concerned that almost one third of patients (27.4 vs 30.1%, NS). The Caesarean section rate was low (11.0 vs 10.3%, NS). The frequency of birth weight below the 10th percentile did not differ between groups (15.1 vs 19.9%, NS). ConclusionTeenage girls of 13–15years old have high perinatal risk (prematurity, congenital malformation), and frequently delivery vaginally. These risks do not seem superior to those of adolescent girls aged of 16–17years old.