Search Results: MCHLine

Annotation: This binder includes information about diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen prescribed from 1938 to 1971 to women who experienced miscarriages or premature deliveries, and which was later discovered to pose a risk to women prescribed DES while pregnant and to both women and men exposed to DES in the womb. The binder provides information about what is known about DES, what is being learned about DES, and what can be done about DES. Additional resources are provided, as well.

Contact: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DES Update, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., MS E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: (800) 232-4636 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/DES Available from the website.

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Keywords: Diethylstilbestrol, Estrogens, Men', Pregnancy, Premature labor, Resource materials, Teratogens, Women', s health, s health

Annotation: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether an association existed between adverse birth outcome and exposure to pesticides which exert their effects in insects and mammals by inhibiting cholinesterase. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) Maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy increased the relative risk of spontaneous abortion and low birthweight; (2) women who had spontaneous abortion, low birthweight babies, preterm labor, and toxemia of pregnancy had lower mean red blood cell (RBC) cholinesterase levels than women who did not; (3) women who reported exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides during pregnancy had lower mean RBC cholinesterase levels than women who reported no exposure; and (4) pregnant women who were employed in agriculturally related occupations where many anticholinesterase pesticides were used have lower mean RBC cholinesterase levels. The study population was composed primarily of Hispanic women of low income and low educational status, and many had recently emigrated from Mexico. The average age of the participants was in the mid-twenties, and the majority had more than one child. Some of the following recommendations resulted from the study: Institute educational programs about safe use of pesticides for pregnant women and for those who are planning a pregnancy; and develop research studies on reproduction, which, by their design, are able to pinpoint time of exposure and quantify actual exposure levels. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: National Technical Information Service, O.S. Department of Commerce, 5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, Telephone: (703) 605-6050 Secondary Telephone: (888) 584-8332 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.ntis.gov Document Number: NTIS PB92-136191.

Keywords: Pesticides, Low income groups, Pregnancy outcome, Teratogens

Annotation: These proceedings of a symposium held by the Association for Children and Adults with learning Disabilities (ACLD) addressed the question: Is a risk index for learning disabilities in the cradle a valid concept? The symposium reviewed recent research indicating potential for predicting later learning disabilities through new assessment techniques performed with newborns. Topics included: 1) assessment of reproductive and caring variables; 2) minor physical anomalies; 3) electrical activity mapping; 4) auditory evoked responses from newborns; 5) prenatal exposure to teratogenic agents; 6) prenatal and neonatal exposure to lead; 7) acoustic cry analysis; 8) use of a risk index in infancy; 8) neurobehavioral assessment in newborns; and 9) metabolic correlates.

Contact: March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, Telephone: (914) 997-4488 Secondary Telephone: Web Site: http://www.marchofdimes.com Available in libraries.

Keywords: Congenital abnormalities, Drug induced congenital disorders, Lead poisoning, Learning disabilities, Neonatal screening, Nervous system diseases, Prenatal screening, Risk assessment, Teratogens

Annotation: The New England Consortium of Childhood Lead Poisoning Programs was funded to develop a model of regional collaboration which would initiate new and enhance existing state and local childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. The primary goal was to assist states in the planning, management and evaluation of childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. In order to meet this the goal the Consortium established objectives, some of which included: assisting states by conducting needs assessments for lead poisoning prevention activities; identifying, designing, and providing training and technical assistance; developing guidelines and protocols for needs assessments, program planning, evaluation, and quality assurance; serving as a liaison between lead poisoning prevention programs and research initiatives; fostering the use of new technologies and strategies, and encouraging the development of cost effective regional resources. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: National Technical Information Service, O.S. Department of Commerce, 5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, Telephone: (703) 605-6050 Secondary Telephone: (888) 584-8332 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.ntis.gov Document Number: NTIS PB92-103266.

Keywords: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lead Poisoning, Teratogens

Annotation: This institute addressed concepts of prevention and statewide planning in maternal and child health and crippled children. Specific attention was given to the issues of genetics, teratogenic agents, parenting education, primary prevention of child abuse, fetal monitoring, alternative birth practices, adolescent, and dental health. The relationship of supplementary security income, statewide accountability, legislation, and funding were also discussed. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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Keywords: Adolescents, Alternative birth styles, Child abuse, Child health, Children with developmental disabilities, Children with special health care needs, Fetal monitoring, Genetics, Legislation, Maternal health, Oral health, Parent education, Prevention, State MCH programs, Supplemental security income, Teratogens