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Nonrandom laterality of malformations in paired structures.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 1974
Summary
Birth defects show a nonrandom sidedness, with specific anomalies more common on the left or right. This suggests underlying developmental differences between paired body structures, impacting defect liability.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Teratology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Asymmetric sidedness is a normal aspect of human development.
- Unilateral malformations of paired structures exhibit a pronounced nonrandom sidedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nonrandom lateralization of various unilateral congenital anomalies.
- To identify specific malformations with a predilection for the left or right side.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing data on unilateral congenital malformations.
- Categorization of anomalies based on observed sidedness.
Main Results:
- Significant nonrandom side predilection observed across evaluated malformations.
- Left-sided predilection noted for postaxial polydactyly, cleft lip, hemiatrophy, hip dislocation, and renal agenesis.
- Right-sided predominance observed for fibular aplasia, radial aplasia, and hemihypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- Congenital anomalies display nonrandom lateralization, indicating inherent developmental asymmetries.
- These asymmetries create differential liability for specific malformations on each side.
- Understanding sidedness aids in detecting potentially hidden congenital defects.