...some birth defects as well as a preventative for other congenital abnormalities. “The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommend that women of childbearing age consume 0.4mg of folic acid per day” (Wehby & Murray, 2008). It can be taken as a supplement in a multivitamin, on its own and in certain foods. This vital nutrient has been noted to decrease instances of neural tube defects. The neural tube forms during the embryonic period...
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...Anencephaly is a congenital embryological neurological disorder of the neural tube which causes portions of the brain and the skull not to develop properly (Saheb). Because the neural tube does not close adequately these children will not have a forebrain or a midbrain (Kurtoglu), rather they will develop “Fibro vascular tissue with scattered islands of neural elements” (Behrman). This malformation of the brain and the cranial vault causes many of these children to be still born (Elwood & Lemire). According to the Centers for Disease Control, “3 pregnancies in every 10,000 in the United States will have anencephaly. This means about 1,206 pregnancies are affected by these conditions each year in the United States”(CDC). The unfortunate infants who live momentarily experience sepsis, pneumonia, or atelectasis(Behrman). Its pathology is unclear, however, researchers believe genetics and nutrition are contributing factors (CDC). Children with Anencephaly experience abnormalities of, “Congenital talipus, equinovarus or valgus, spina bifida, cystic kidneys, cystic liver, high palate with cleft, diaphragmatic hernia, immature lungs, thymic hyperplasia, megaoesophagus, hypertrophy of bladder and hypoplasia of epididymis, hypoplatic lungs, syndactyly, cyclopia, club foot, cleft palate, imperforate anus, renal defects, cardiac defects, large thymus, absence of thumb and radius, large thymus, and reduced size of adrenal gland (Jones). Those full term infants who live for few days...
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...the World of Spina Bifida One in one thousand births are affected by neural tube defects, second most common in humans. Two particular defects include anencephaly and spina bifida, caused by the neural tube’s failure to close early on during the development of the brain and spinal cord. If the neural tube that forms the brain does not close, it is known as anencephaly and this results in the brain forming completely abnormally and the cranium being absent. The results are death at birth. In mice, this defect is known as exencephaly. Which is where Dr. Heather Mcdermid and her research staff base their studies and experiments. Mutation of the gene Cecr2 causes exencephaly in mice in a strain dependent manner. For example a BALB/c strain on a mouse, when mutated, shows exencephaly in 75% of mouse embryos. Studing of the gene Cecr2 and its major modifier, a gene located on chromosome 19, will hopefully add to their field of research and understanding of the mechanisms of normal neurulation and neural tube defects. Dr. Mcdermid went to school at the University of Western Ontario, where she would receive her bachelors of science in zoology; then, due to marriage, Dr. Mcdermid moved to Kingston and through observing a prof of the field, became avidaly interestd in human genetics. Going on to receive her P.H.d. Upon returning to Edmonton Currently engaged in two projects, Dr. Mcdermid and her team are looking at Neural Tube Defects in mice, a lot of different aspects being associated...
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...Neural tube defects are defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord itself. A neural tube defect happens in the first month of pregnancy usually. The women at that point will most likely not even know that she is pregnant. There are 4 main kinds of neural tube defects. Occulta is the most common type of neural defect. With this defect there is a layer of skin covering the opening of the spine. Unlike the other forms, it causes less issues. There is rarely symptoms. A neural tube defect can be diagnosed prenatally with a sonogram or ultrasound. I have done some research online and have looked at some of the images. All seem to have a very distinct abnormality or growth. It is something that with this kind of technology and a good eye and knows what they are looking for, could prevent an embryo from becoming a fetus and then a child that may or may not have a long term disability that could hinder them from being able to take care of themselves or even be mobile at all. I know the article said that they can’t see these abnormities until the 17th and 20th week but when I was pregnant there was a specific test for the, which they do mention, that measured the protein AFP. I do believe they can sometimes find out earlier than mentioned here. Anencephaly is the neural defect that I chose. It is the most interesting a heartbreaking that I have found. This defect is where the baby is born without major parts of its brain. All babies will die shortly after birth. The reason being is the...
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...Case Study 16: Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Chile Abstract Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformation to congenital heart disease and affected 400 babies in Chile annually before a fortification legislation was passed to use fortified flour with folic acid. This fortification reduced spina bifida by 51% and anencephaly by 46% (Levine, 2007). Team One will share answers to questions about this study and research of the problem. The globally astute nurse can provide education and become an advocate to continue to reduce these congenital birth defects through improving the health of women and children and thus all humanity. Case Study Sixteen: Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Chile Despite efforts to reduce neural tube defects, more than 300,000 children are born with neural tube defects annually (CDC, 2012). In Chile, fortification with folate reduced birth defects. Public and private partnerships are necessary for the success of ventures to improve healthcare. Fortification with folate in the diet can be replicated, but must be attune to cultural diet and nutrition habits. Global education is a critical link to success in combating disease and especially with neural tube defects. Once leaders are aware and efforts can focus on problems for education, intervention and evaluation, global health can be improved and the sustainability of our people and planet can continue. Question...
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...involved female is insurmountable. No matter the reasoning, it is the decision of the female to make. Any potential offspring that has been conceived may be aborted for various reasons. Complicating medical factors and birth defects, unwanted sexual encounters, and career and non-career wise family planning are all justifiable reasons to support one’s decision to decide to abort the fetus that grows in her body. In the realm of modern medicine, it is quite easy for OB/GYNs and other doctors to determine the health of the child after it has left the womb. In these cases, the opinion of a professional can result in the female having the option to choose abortion to reduce the chances of the child being born with a birth defect, or in some cases, to save the life of the female carrying the baby. According to Richie (2013), anencephaly is a neural tube defect that does not allow for the proper development of the brain. Typically, these babies only have a brain stem, which allows the heart to beat but does not allow for the ability to thrive outside the womb, which doctors have determined to be a major birth defect. If the fetus makes it to term, many of these infants do not live longer than a few hours or days and due to the nature and severity of this birth defect, many physicians will not provide nutritive support as it is believed to be medically futile. When the mother is presented with complicating factors such as an incompetent cervix, this can lead to secondary complications...
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...liver, and may-more. Some people, may not receive enough from their diet alone. And its deficiency can be treated easily by taking a course of folic acid tablets. As stated by Dettwyler (2008) all people need folic acid, but more important for pregnant women or those who are able to get pregnant. When a woman has enough folic acid, before and during pregnancy, the result of major birth defects in the fetus’s development, which including: Spina bifida and Anencephaly; may be at low risk. In most cases Spina bifida is one form of birth defects called neural tube defects. These defects usually involves the damage to the spine and spinal cord. This takes place when some vertebrae of the spine don't close properly during pregnancy and the spinal cord's nerves are exposed and damaged. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord. This tube normally folds inward and closes by the 28th day after birth. When it fails to closes completely this causes the defects of the spinal cord and vertebrae. Anencephaly also known as “open skull,” is a condition present at birth that affects the formation of a fetus's brain and the skull bones surrounding the head. In which the major parts of the brain, scalp, and skull of the fetus do not form completely during developing in the womb. In most cases the brain lacks part of the cerebrum (the area of the brain that is responsible for thinking, vision, hearing, touch, and movement). And this...
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...There are 3,000 pregnancies affected by spinal bifida or anencephaly, which are neural tube defects (NTDs) caused by the incomplete closing of the spin and skull. Having a healthy pregnancy can later promote a healthy birth. A mother who consuming a healthy dosage of prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy can help eliminate the chances of a neural tube defect up to 70 percent. Mothers and expecting Mothers should know the importance of taking a complete multivitamin such as a prenatal vitamin. In the beginning stages of conception, the zygote is beginning the development of the spinal cord, nervous system, heart, and lungs. These are all important in the life span of living vertebrates. There are certain things our body needs to ensure...
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...process. First we will define amniocentesis, it is the placement of a needle through the abdomen, removing a small amount of the amniotic fluid that is in the uterus during pregnancy. It is usually done between the fourth and fifth month. The amnio fluid is tested for anything abnormal about the fetus, such as spina bifida, where the baby is born with the spinal cord outside the body, rH disease, anencephaly, where the baby is born with no brain or spinal cord with open neural tube defects, or other birth defects. At this time it can be told whether the fetus is male or female. Later in the pregnancy, it may be done to learn the age of the fetus. Using ultrasound, the position of the fetus and the location of the umbilical cord can be seen. The skin on the mother's abdomen is cleaned. A local anesthetic is given. A needle attached to a syringe is put into a part of the uterine wall where there is least chance of touching the umbilical wall, or the fetus. Less than 1 ounce of amniotic fluid is removed from the amniotic sac. In testing for birth defects, approximately 2 weeks are needed for the results to come back. We ask that you sign a form giving permission for treatment and to explain the procedure and the possible side effects. The patient seldom experiences any problems....
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...Early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities can make the decision easier rather than when the baby is diagnosed in the second or third trimester. Raising a baby that has birth defects can put stress on the marriage and can be heartbreaking to watch their baby suffer throughout their life span. Some fetal congenital birth defects can impact a baby’s life-expectancy. Some of these life-threatening defects include, spina bifida, anencephaly, conjoined twins, and severe heart or kidney abnormalities. Nonfatal defects often include a baby being born with genetic disorders such as, down syndrome. Raising a baby with a birth defect often takes many resources, around a clock care for the child, and a lot of family support. Deborah Anne Driscoll stated. “Many couples…don’t have the resources, don’t have the emotional...
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...the neonate cause ½ of all deaths in term newborns. True 3. A major anomaly in disorders of the neonate is usually apparent at birth in 3 to 4% of newborns. True 4. Which disorder or syndrome is most likely caused by a teratogen? Fetal Alcohol syndrome 5. The recessive disorders are easy to detect using carrier screening and have a high morbidity and mortality. True 6. What tow primary (least evasive) approaches are used to monitor fetal growth, development, and to identify pregnancy risks for a congenital anomaly? Maternal serum screening and ultrasonography 7. Five percent of all pregnant women screened will have abnormal test results when there is an unaffected pregnancy. True 8. Maternal Serum Screening can detect the risk for which condition? Possible Neural Tube Defect 9. The leading indication for invasive diagnostic is advanced maternal age. True 10. What would be the outcome for an autosomal recessive trait, statistically speaking, if a person who is a heterozygous carrier has children with a homozygous normal individual? (Use Boxes) Fifty percent of the children will be carriers and fifty percent will be normal. 11. Maternal Serum Screening is considered diagnostic test used to determine the type of disorder your baby will have when born. False 12. Which serum blood levels indicate the probability of neural tube defect? High AFP 13. What are the risks involved for a female who wishes to become pregnant at the age of forty-five? There is a 1...
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...economics, necessity, and desire. Diet is one of the biggest and most important factors in our overall health. Our diets are linked to an increase in obesity, diabetes, hypotension, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity, which represents a caloric intake well over what is needed, is s major concern. Particularly in western culture, where a diet that emphasizes high fat, caloric dense food has been implicated as a connection to several negative health outcomes. It is accepted by heath care professionals, and pregnant women that nutritional status during pregnancy plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy. Women with poor nutrition can experience complications with labor, as well as compromised fetal growth, resulting in low birth weight. Pregnant women who gain more or less weight than the recommended amount can result in complications for both mother and baby. The incidence increases at the extremes of weight gain. What is an expected mother to be to do? An increased number are looking into dietary alternatives. One alternative, that is growing in popularity, is a vegan diet. What is a vegan diet? A vegan, or plant based, diet is a form of vegetarianism. It differs in that individuals following this diet consume zero animal products. This means that vegans do not eat any meat, diary, eggs, honey, or any other animal byproducts. One hundred percent of a vegan’s diet comes from plants, with the exception of mineral supplement or manufactured vitamins. Humans...
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...Running head: “MY NURSING ETHICS” “My Nursing Ethics” Denise Schooley Grand Canyon University: NRS 437V July 10, 2012 My Nursing Ethics Personal nursing ethics can vary greatly from each individual nurse. The most important factor is that patients are receiving safe, efficient and informed care. There is a privileged relationship between a nurse and their patients. It is crucial that patients feel as though they are part of their care pathway. They must feel safe and informed continuously throughout their need for nursing care. Nurses may not always agree with the decisions that their patients may be making but a nurse’s personal, cultural or spiritual opinion should never get in the way of the care they need to provide. Personal Philosophy Nurses have their own personal, cultural and spiritual values that can and in some situations contribute to their nursing care. A nurse may have a personal opinion on selective induction of labor and may not agree with the patient’s decision. With nurses that work in Women and Infant services they will experience these difficult situations on a regular basis. Spiritual values being either Christian, Catholic or other affiliation will play a role in the nurse’s ethics and moral beliefs. Tertwilliger, M, (2007) “Christians believe it is also the gift God gave women to save humanity”, pg. 1. Within many different religious affiliations and churches an elective terminations is not an acceptable procedure. Nurses may...
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...Technology today has provided so many different types of testing to detect any early signs of abnormalities. Ultrasound imaging is commonly used and don’t seem to have any ill effect on the fetus. This test allows you to observe the fetus coordination and movements. During you first trimester (between 11 &13 weeks) you normally have what physician call a combined test. This includes an ultrasound testing and a blood sample to test the HCG and PAPP-A protein. The HCG may increase while the PAPP-A decreases when a women is carrying a fetus with Down syndrome. Another screening called, Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFP) can be done in the second trimester (17-20 weeks). AFP can also be used to detect Down syndrome and neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Amniocentesis is a parental test that uses a sample of the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid can be used to detect more than 100 genetic disorders, including Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia. Lastly Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a technique where fetal tissues are collected from membrane that surrounds the fetus. CVS can be used to diagnose chromosomal, metabolic, and blood-borne conditions. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder and a condition that cannot be physically passed around like a disease. It is inherited from your parents. We normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each made up of genes. The cells of a person with Down syndrome only have 21 chromosomes. While the...
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...share similar genetic makeup example our parents, siblings. * Partly like no other individuals i.e. the genetic recombination and environment factors which makes us unique. * Partly like all other individuals with those whom we share similar gender, age, and other such physiological factors. 2. Development includes Growth and Decline (see page 5) * Consider a 75 year old man, his goal will not be able to improve his golf swing, but to maintain his independence and to play golf at all. 3. Traditional vs Life-Span Approach (see page 2) * Traditional Approach suggests that, most if not all changes occur from birth to adolescence (infancy), no change in adulthood and decline in old age. * Life-Span Approach suggests that we undergo changes throughout the course of our life, i.e. all stages of life, from birth till death. 4. Life Span vs. Life Expectancy * Life Span is the longest recorded age a human has lived, which is to be 122 years. Life Span has not changed since the beginning of recorded history. * Life Expectancy is the average number of years an individual born in a particular year/era is expected to live. Life Expectancy has gone up by 30 years in the 20th century. 5. Characteristics of Life Span Perspective are it is: lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, plastic, multi-disciplinary, contextual and involves growth, maintenance, regulation and loss. (pages 3-5) 6. Context refers to a specific setting...
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