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Catamnestic investigations in children with congenital hydrocephalus
T A Angerpointner1, L Pockrandt, K Schroer
1Paediatric Surgical Clinic, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital of the University of Munich, F.R.G.
Insights
Pregnancy complications, including maternal illness and medication use, significantly increase the risk of congenital hydrocephalus in newborns. Genetic factors and a higher incidence of malformations in relatives also contribute to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Congenital hydrocephalus is a complex condition with multifactorial origins.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of pregnancy disturbances and genetic factors in congenital hydrocephalus.
- To compare risk factors between infants with and without congenital hydrocephalus.
Main Methods:
- Catamnestic investigations were conducted on 141 children with congenital hydrocephalus and a control group.
- Data collected included pregnancy history, family history, and genetic information.
Main Results:
- Mothers of infants with congenital hydrocephalus had a higher incidence of pregnancy disturbances (61.3%) compared to controls (30.1%).
- Increased maternal illness and drug intake during the first trimester were significant risk factors.
- Children with congenital hydrocephalus showed a higher rate of malformed relatives (16.7%) than controls (6.4%).
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy disturbances and genetic predisposition are significant factors in congenital hydrocephalus.
- Findings support the role of both environmental and genetic influences in the development of this condition.
- Recurrence risk calculations align with established genetic counseling data.
Abstract:
Catamnestic investigations on the course of pregnancy, family history and genetics were carried out in 141 children suffering from congenital hydrocephalus. The results were compared with those obtained from a group of non-malformed controls investigated by the same criteria. There was a considerably higher incidence of pregnancy disturbances (i.e. diseases, drugs, haemorrhage etc.) in mothers who later gave birth to a child with congenital hydrocephalus, than mothers of the control group (congenital hydrocephalus: 61.3% vs. controls: 30.1%). This high incidence of pregnancy disturbances could be particularly referred to a sevenfold increased rate of diseases and a fourfold increased rate of drug intake during the first trimester. There was also a higher rate of malformed relatives in children with congenital hydrocephalus (16.7%) than in controls (6.4%); not only were malformations of the central nervous system found to be increased but also malformations of other organ systems in relatives. This is interpreted as a hint not only at genetic influences but also at a generally higher incidence of malformations in a relatively small group of persons. Calculated figures of recurrence risk were in accordance with empirical data used in genetic counselling.