Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics
in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net.
|
Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Jackson Weiss Syndrome - A rare genetic disorder that causes early fusion of the skull bones and foot abnormalities. Because the skull bones fuse too early, the head will not grow normally and there will be facial abnormalities. The child's face may be misshapen with a bulging forehead, flattened nasal bridge, beaked nose and wide-set eyes. Although facial abnormalities are common in children with Jackson-Weiss syndrome, not all children will experience them. However, all babies that are affected with the disorder will suffer from foot abnormalities. The child's large toe will be bigger than normal and it will bend in the opposite direction of the other toes. There is usually webbing present of the second and third toes.
Jaundice - Yellow colroing of the skin and sclera in the eyes that is a result of elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Infants with neonatal jaundice are treated with colored light called phototherapy.
Jervell and Lange Nielsen Syndrome - A rare birth defect that affects about 3 in 1 million people worldwide. Babies that are born with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome will have severe hearing loss and cardiac abnormalities. Heart abnormalities include an abnormal rhythm and an excessive amount of time for the heart muscle to recover between each beat. Seizures and fainting are common due to the lack of oxygen that the brain receives during periods of arrhythmia. Treatment options include cochlear implants to improve hearing. Many patients will undergo surgery to receive a pacemaker and some will need an internal defibrillator.
Jeune Syndrome - An inherited type of dwarfism and is also called asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. The disorder affects approximately 1 out of every 100,000 live births. Common symptoms of Jeune syndrome include a small, but long and narrow chest, short arms, short legs, kidney lesions, intestinal malabsorption, vision abnormalities, liver complications and heart complications. In severe cases, the baby may experience breathing complications. Most babies that are born with Jeune syndrome will be diagnosed at birth based on a physical examination. Treatment includes monitoring respiratory infections and controlling high blood pressure. If the kidney is failing, dialysis and kidney transplants can be necessary. Because many children experience chronic respiratory infections, respiratory failure is common and can be fatal.
Jitteriness - A condition that is similar to a seizure and is observed in some newborn infants. The condition is characterized by abnormal, tremor-like movements of the arms and legs. Unlike the characteristics of a seizure, the movements are finer and stop when the infant's hands are grasped shut. The infant's eyes do not roll backwards or appear abnormal during this time.
Joubert Syndrome - An extremely rare birth defect in which the cerebellar vermis is missing or underdeveloped. The brain stem in not properly developed either. The cerebellar vermis is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling balance and coordination. Common symptoms of Joubert syndrome include abnormal breathing, unusual eye movements, unusual tongue movements, lack of muscle tone and occasionally, seizures. The disorder can be detected during a prenatal ultrasound, but genetic testing is not an option. Once the disorder has been diagnosed, treatment options include physical therapy, speech therapy, auditory training and apnea monitoring. Some children with low muscle tone can find relief in water therapy as well.
Juberg Marsidi Syndrome - A rare inherited birth disorder that occurs when there is a defect on the X chromosome.
Research shows that the disorder is mainly seen in males and the symptoms of the condition can be seen at birth. Common symptoms of Juberg Marsidi syndrome include severe mental retardation, underdeveloped genitalia, developmental delays, an unusually small head, triangular shaped nose, flattened nasal bridge, dental abnormalities, low muscle tone and deafness. Doctors can usually diagnose the disorder based upon the characteristic facial features, but genetic testing can be done to confirm a suspected case. While there is no cure for Juperg Marsidi syndrome, treatment options include physical, speech and occupational therapy to help the child with developmental delays.
Justifiable Abortion - A medically necessary abortion that is performed before the time of fetal viability to safeguard the physical of mental health of the pregnant woman.