Abdominal Wall Defects |
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Omphalocele is a defect in which the intestines of the fetus
develop outside the body.
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Gastroschisis is a defect in which the intestines and
occasionally other organs protrude through the defect, usually on the
right side of the fetal abdomen.
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Chromosomal Abnormalities |
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Down syndrome is caused by an additional chromosome 21. This
extra chromosome always causes mental retardation and frequently causes heart defects and other abnormalities.
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Trisomy 18 is caused by an additional chromosome 18. These trisomic fetuses abort spontaneously in approximately 95% of occurances.
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Neural Tube Defects |
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Anencephaly: This disorder occurs when most of the head, brain, and possibly the spinal cord do not develop normally.
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Encephalocele: This disorder results in a hole in the skull through which brain tissue protrudes.
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Spina bifida: This disorder, also known as cleft or open spine, is a defect of the spinal column.There are three types of spina bifida: Spina bifida occulta , Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele.
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