Teratogens, Including Common Medications Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is a teratogen?
An environmental factor that causes permanent structural or functional abnormalities, growth restriction, or fetal death.
During which phase of pregnancy is the fetus most susceptible to teratogens?
The embryonic phase (first trimester, weeks 3–8), during organogenesis.
What is the all-or-nothing effect of teratogens in early pregnancy?
Exposure during the preimplantation phase (0–15 days) leads to either no effect or miscarriage.
What birth defects are associated with thalidomide exposure?
Limb malformations (phocomelia), anotia (absence of external ear).
What condition is caused by in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)?
Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and congenital Müllerian anomalies.
What fetal abnormalities are linked to isotretinoin use during pregnancy?
Microtia, hydrocephalus, cardiac defects, intellectual disability.
What is the mechanism of alcohol teratogenicity?
Failed neuronal and glial cell migration, leading to brain and facial anomalies.
What are the characteristic features of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Thin upper lip, smooth philtrum, short palpebral fissures, microcephaly, intellectual disability.
What birth defects are associated with tobacco use in pregnancy?
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labor, placental abruption, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
What is the effect of opioid use in pregnancy?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal), low birth weight, respiratory depression.
What is the primary risk of cocaine use in pregnancy?
Placental abruption due to vasoconstriction of uteroplacental vessels.
What are the fetal effects of warfarin exposure?
Nasal hypoplasia, stippled epiphyses, limb hypoplasia, intellectual disability.
What is the preferred anticoagulant during pregnancy?
Low-molecular-weight heparin (e.g., enoxaparin).
What are the fetal effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
Renal dysgenesis, oligohydramnios, pulmonary hypoplasia, limb contractures (Potter sequence).
What are the teratogenic effects of valproic acid?
Neural tube defects, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism.
What are the fetal effects of methotrexate exposure?
Fetal aminopterin syndrome (craniofacial anomalies, limb defects, growth restriction).
What is the risk of tetracycline use during pregnancy?
Tooth discoloration, enamel hypoplasia, inhibition of bone growth.
What fetal complications are associated with fluoroquinolone use?
Cartilage damage and arthropathy.
What are the risks of lithium use in pregnancy?
Ebstein anomaly (atrialized right ventricle), nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
What teratogenic effects are associated with phenytoin?
Fetal hydantoin syndrome (cleft lip/palate, hypoplastic nails, growth restriction).
What fetal defects are linked to maternal uncontrolled diabetes?
Neural tube defects, caudal regression syndrome, congenital heart defects.
What congenital defects are associated with maternal iodine deficiency?
Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism), intellectual disability, goiter.
