S3C1 (2.0) Flashcards
(144 cards)
Can a parent override consent for an abortion on a minor?
The courts have also confirmed that a parent’s refusal to give consent for an abortion cannot override the consent of a competent young person.
Can a minor consent to an abortion?
As with other medical interventions, a competent young person may give valid consent to abortion, contraception and treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, regardless of age or parental involvement, although every reasonable effort must be made to persuade the child to involve their parents or guardians.
When do NTDs develop?
3rd and 4th week of pregnancy
What is a common cause of NTDS?
Folate deficiency
Define the term NTD
Neural tube defects are a group of congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord.
They are caused by improper closure of the neural plate in the embryo, resulting in malformations of the central nervous system (CNS), spine, and cranium.
What is the aetiology of NTDs?
Maternal folic acid deficiency during pregnancy; disorders or drug intake affecting folate metabolism
Concomitant chromosomal aberrations (e.g., trisomy 13 and 18); genetic mutations in the folate and homocysteine metabolism pathways
Associated maternal conditions: diabetes mellitus, obesity, fever/hyperthermia during first trimester
Define Spina Bifida Occulta
Failure of one or more vertebrae to close completely; the spinal cord, spinal meninges, and overlying skin remain intact
Define Spina Bifida Cystica
Failure of one or more vertebrae to close completely; the meninges (meningocele) and potentially the spinal cord (myelomeningocele) may protrude through the gap
What part of the spine is affected by spina bifids?
Primarily in the lower lumbar to sacral region
What are the symptoms of spina bifida occulta?
usually asymptomatic
possibly visible dimple
collection of fat
patch of hair on the skin above the defect
What are the symptoms of spina bifida cystica?
Symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction
Varying degrees of motor loss, possible flaccid paralysis
Sensory deficits
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Further symptoms
Developmental delays, cognitive impairment, progressive neurological symptoms
Skeletal malformations (esp. of the spine and lower extremities), joint contractures, back pain
Hydrocephalus
What is a cranial defect?
Cranial cleft formation with involvement of the skull and brain
What is acrania?
Absent skull bones
What is anencephaly?
Variable presentations of diminished cranium and forebrain, as well as cerebellum
What is Encephalocele?
Protrusion of the brain via an opening in the skull
What is a cranial meningocele?
Protrusion of meninges through parietal foramina or abnormal bony openings of the skull
What is a congenital dermal sinus?
Mainly lumbar or lumbosacral fistulae; extend from the surface of the skin to the spinal canal and frequently end in a dermoid or epidermoid cyst
What prenatal screening can be done to diagnose NTDs?
Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in amniotic fluid at 13–15 weeks’ gestation
Fetal ultrasonography at 20 weeks’ gestation
What does a triple screen blood test look for?
Elevated AFP, which is associated with NTDs. It also measures hCG and unconjugated estriol. Done in the second trimester
What does an amniotic fluid test look for?
Looking for high levels of AFP and acetylcholinesterase. Can tested for chromosomal abnormalities which would explain high AFP
What is AFP?
A protein produced in the liver of a developing foetus. Some AFP passes through the placenta and into the mothers blood and too much or too little can indicate an issue in pregnancy
When would AFP testing be especially recommended?
Have a history of birth defects
35 or above
Diabetes
What is the treatment plan for spina bifida?
The baby is usually delivered by caesarean section - No clear evidence that this improves outcome
Prophylactic administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Surgical closure within 72 hours after birth ; close monitoring and possibly elective surgery for closed defects
Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in cases of hydrocephalus
Why does the surgery need to be done asap for spina bifida?
Along with administering antibiotics, considerably reduces risk of CNS infection