Clinical, genetic and environmental factors associated with congenital vertebral malformations.

ABSTRACT: Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) pose a significant health problem because they can be associated with spinal deformities, such as congenital scoliosis and kyphosis, in addition to various syndromes and other congenital malformations. Additional information remains to be learned regarding the natural history of congenital scoliosis and related health problems. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the process of somite formation, which gives rise to vertebral bodies, there is a wide gap in our understanding of how genetic factors contribute to CVM development. Maternal diabetes during pregnancy most commonly contributes to the occurrence of CVM, followed by other factors such as hypoxia and anticonvulsant medications. This review highlights several emerging c

SUBMITTER: Giampietro PF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3638777 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature