What is the number one cause of congenital malformation?

Prepare for the NBEO Systemic Disease Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge. Each question includes hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

The number one cause of congenital malformation is indeed attributed to genetic disorders. Genetic factors account for a significant proportion of congenital anomalies, arising from chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene mutations, and multi-factorial inheritance patterns. This points to the complex interplay of genes affecting development.

While fetal alcohol syndrome, which results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leads to a range of developmental defects, it is not the leading cause. Diabetes can also contribute to congenital malformations, particularly if poorly controlled during pregnancy, but it is not the predominant cause overall. Environmental factors, including teratogens, can influence fetal development and potentially lead to malformations, yet they do not account for the largest proportion compared to genetic factors. Understanding these causal relationships is crucial in recognizing the significance of genetic syndromes in the context of congenital anomalies.

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