{"id":9562,"date":"2019-08-10T23:14:02","date_gmt":"2019-08-10T23:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9562"},"modified":"2021-04-22T20:14:44","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T20:14:44","slug":"15-known-causes-of-anencephaly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-known-causes-of-anencephaly\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Known Causes of Anencephaly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Anencephaly is one form of neural tube defect that occurs in a minute percentage of every population annually. Most pregnancies that have a fetus afflicted with anencephaly are naturally self aborted within the first few weeks of gestation. Those that progress further also tend to end in miscarriage. Approximately one of 10,000 women will carry a fetus with anencephaly to term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anencephaly is also called \u201copen brain\u201d syndrome and results in a fetus or child that is missing parts of its brain and skull. During gestation, a flat plate of cells is tasked with developing into the spine and brain. This plate begins to roll until it forms the neural tube. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In anencephaly, the tube fails to close causing a neural tube defect. In 80% of instances, the opening remains exposed to amniotic fluid. The other 20% of instances the tube is covered with skin or bone through the defect still is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Causes of Anencephaly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Gene changes<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time there is no definable cause for anencephaly, however, it can be a result of a suppressed gene passed from the parents or a sudden change in chromosomes. Many defective that are genes passed on through from generation to generation are inactive. In rare cases, two people with the same rare yet inactive gene <\/a>each pass it to their child. This can cause pregnancies that result in anencephaly, spina bifida or other birth defects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because anencephaly has a very low survival rate, reproduction is not an option for those afflicted. As a result, generally, only those with spina bifida directly pass an active gene to their offspring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all cases of anencephaly are passed on, there are instances where genes spontaneously express themselves at the moment of conception or during their early development. Genetic testing in advance of pregnancy is suggested when a person has a family history of neural tube defects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Amniotic band disruption sequence <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although the human body is made for reproduction, there are plenty of things that can disrupt the process. A developing fetus is especially vulnerable especially if there is any type if problem inside of the amniotic sac. Amniotic band disruption sequence is a serious condition that can result in the fetus developing anencephaly. If there is a rupture of the amniotic membranes it will result in a disruption of the tissue development cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The structure of the brain <\/a>and head of the fetus are fragile during development and any changes can be disastrous. Though causes of anencephaly can\u2019t always be pinpointed, when it develops as a result of amniotic band disruption sequence, there is evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A medical professional is able to detect remnants of the amniotic membrane which allows them to diagnose the cause of the defect. Unlike other causes, the amniotic band disruption sequence doesn\u2019t increase the chance of the defect returning in future pregnancies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Side effects of medication<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most often anencephaly is an isolated birth defect. Most cases are due to several factors including environment, genetics and bad luck. These cases are not tied to other birth defects or anomalies though cleft palate and heart defects are often found in anencephaly patients. Prescription and herbal <\/a>medications often have long term side effects that are not easily understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to recent studies, some medications may increase the chances of a person\u2019s pregnancy resulting in a fetus afflicted with anencephaly.  In fact, certain medications used to help treat and manage diabetes have been directly linked to an increase in birth defects and anencephaly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many herbal supplements are not regulated nor have their long term side effects been studied. Some ingredients may increase the chance of anencephaly or other birth defects when taken alone or paired with other medications. Patients who are obese or who have trouble controlling their insulin levels should consider all factors prior to getting pregnant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Exposure to high temperatures<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High temperatures <\/a>can have a serious negative effect on the body. When a woman is pregnant it’s even more important to take care of their health. Extremely hot temperatures caused by fever, hot tubs, baths or even a sauna can increase the chance of tube defects developing. Maternal hyperthermia has been proven to increase the chances of neural tube defects developing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any environment that causes or encourages transient hyperthermia may cause serious fetal harm during its development. While external heat sources and environments can be avoided, avoiding illness is not often as simple. High fever and prolonged fever during the first trimester can have a damaging effect on the development of the fetus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maternal fever has been documented as a common cause of neural tube defects such as anencephaly along with other birth defects. Heatstroke also poses a great risk to the fetus since the effects are cumulative. Long car trips or extended periods in the sun also increase the chances of developing anencephaly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Folic acid deficiency<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folic acid<\/a> is an important part of female reproductive health. This nutrient helps to keep the follicles in the uterus healthy as well as promote a healthy pregnancy. Women who have an inadequate intake of folic acid before becoming pregnant and during their pregnancy are at a higher risk of their fetus developing anencephaly. A lack of proper levels of folic acid is also responsible for other neural tube defects like spina bifida. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who are exposed to environmental or other agents that disrupt folate metabolism during the development of the neural tube through the first two months of pregnancy are at a higher risk of anencephaly developing. Though folic acid is very important, too much folic acid can also be harmful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An anticonvulsant of folic acid, valproic acid actually increased the chances of certain birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Careful monitoring and proper dosages should be provided by a healthcare professional to avoid risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Prior pregnancies with neural defects<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who have become pregnant <\/a>with fetuses that eventually developed a neural tube defect are more prone to having future pregnancies that result in anencephaly. With each child that develops the disorder, the chances of the next increase by 5%- 13%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anencephaly is often a multifactorial condition, along with a previous history of birth defects other factors may increase the chances of a recurrence. In addition to defects increasing with each pregnancy, the same defect has a higher chance of reappearing. For example, if a woman\u2019s fetus suffers from spina bifida, if the following child develops a defect, it is more likely to be spina bifida and not anencephaly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anencephaly can also be caused by various chromosomal disorders. One common disorder that often results in anencephaly is trisomy 18. This particular disorder is not inherited but is completely spontaneous. If the expression of anencephaly due to a chromosomal change was spontaneous, the chances of it recurring still increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Environmental toxins<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is not always a clear reason that pinpoints exactly why anencephaly develops. Environmental factors may cause a reaction in certain genes that trigger the condition. There are several environmental factors that cause anencephalies such as extreme temperatures and chemical <\/a>exposure. During the development of a fetus and open neural tube results in anencephaly though definitive molecular causes are still not understood. There are also several chemicals that can negatively affect the development of a fetus and cause birth defects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One study has proven that certain pesticides such as methyl parathion can increase the chances of neural tube defects. In the same study, families who were exposed to this chemical were 5 times as likely to produce an anencephalic child when either parent was exposed prior to birth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to pesticides, certain hormones used on farm animals as well as other chemicals used in production settings increase the chances of anencephaly developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Insulin-Dependent diabetes mellitus-<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gestational diabetes and pregestational insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are a serious concern. Women who are suffering from maternal type 1 diabetes <\/a>are at a higher risk of having a fetus that develops anencephaly. Alpha-fetoprotein is an important nutrient that helps with fetus development, IDDM inhibits the production during gestation which can trigger neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women should be screened during their pregnancy using a maternal serum AFP screening test. This may give medical providers a chance to adjust the values and prevent the onset of anencephaly during gestation. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that is well-controlled results in a lower risk of birth defects though gestational diabetes is not known to increase the risks any more than a normal pregnancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthy eating and close monitoring prior to getting pregnant and during the early stages are the best way to monitor the fetus although prevention of anencephaly is not guaranteed.
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