congénitas

Congénitas is a term used to describe conditions that are present at birth, arising from abnormal development during pregnancy. They can be structural, affecting anatomy such as the heart, limbs, or brain, or functional, involving metabolic or biochemical processes. Congenital anomalies may be classified as major or minor, and as isolated or syndromic when several defects occur together.

The causes of congenital conditions are varied and can include genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities, environmental influences, infections during pregnancy, and exposure to teratogens such as certain medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs. In many cases the exact cause remains unknown (idiopathic). Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of congenital anomalies include parental age, consanguinity, maternal health, and inadequate periconceptional care. Some conditions are preventable or reducible through measures such as folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects, vaccination to prevent infectious causes, and avoidance of known teratogens.

Detection and diagnosis of congenital anomalies rely on prenatal screening and diagnostic tools (for example, ultrasound, maternal serum markers, noninvasive prenatal testing) and postnatal evaluation (physical examination, imaging, laboratory tests, genetic testing). Management is individualized and may involve medical treatment, surgical correction, rehabilitation, and ongoing multidisciplinary care to optimize development and quality of life. Prognosis varies widely and depends on the specific condition, its severity, and available resources.

In public health, congenital anomalies are a focus of surveillance, counseling, and preventive strategies. Terminology varies by language; in Spanish and Portuguese, congenital conditions are described as congénitas or congénitas condiciones, commonly referred to as congenital anomalies in English.