The coastland times with which is combined the pilot and herald of Belhaven and Swan Quarter. [volume] (Manteo, N.C.) 1959-1973, 1961-12-29

tory medicine" He feels that medical students
should become much more knowledgeabie about
human embryology.
s'More than a quarter of million babies with
significant birth defects are born every year in
the United StateS-almost 700 daily. Until scien-
tific research can develop means to prevent these
tragedies, young people who are the mothers
and fathers of future generations should under
stand how and why they happen" he'said
Such premarital tests as DR.. Cooke advocates
are not practical today on widespread basis
because of a lack of appropriate laboratories
but with increased research in birth defects
and with Improvement in our medical technol-
ogy. and our laboratory facilities, genetic tests
will soon become practical and feasible" he pre-
dicted
Through them we may well come to the
actual detection of future birth abnormalities
and possibly prevent many by proper handling
of the pregnancy"
He Defines Birth Defects
DR.. Cooke says there is great confusion re-
garding the term birth defects" Medically
these are congenital anomalies ca Used oy genetic
factors or by injury to the embryo during its life
in the womb. Most of the general public mis-
takenly believes that birth defects are limited
to those apparent at birth, such as missing ex-
tremities, an enlarged head (hydrocephalus) or
open spine (spina bifida). But many more subtle
birth defects are not disclosed until maturity
and even middle age.
pearing in later life has been shown in many
instances to result from congenital malfornla-
tions of the blood vessels of the kidneys, dis
order present at birth but unacceptable at that
time. Birth defects also account for many cases
Of diabetes theological disorders and govt that
do not become apparent until middle life. The
list could be substantially heightened DR.. Cooke
pointed out.
The Birth Defects Special Treatment Center at
Johns Hopkins is one of rapidly growing num-
Der of centers in various parts of the nation
financed by National Foundation chapters using
March of Dimes contributions. They provide
comprehensive medical care for victims, with
emphasis on early diagnosis, prevention of dis
ability, rehabilitation and expansion of knowl-
edge concerning birth defects.
In addition, the voluntary health organization
has established university affiliated birth de-
fects clinical study and research centers in
Columbus Ohio, Oklahoma City, and Nashville
Tenn. similar program of March of Dimes
supported treatment and research centers in
arthritis is also in effect across the country
Birth defects cause 81 1000 deaths each year
in the United States" says DR.. Cooke 'That's
twice the toll taken by tuberculosis and ten
times the annual number of deaths from whoop-
ing cough; measles polio and infectious hepatitis
combined.
"The National Foundation-March of Dimes
is taking historic forward step in searching for
a preventive. Until it is found, one thing we
might do is to determine, before marriage, what
types of family genetic histories are likely to
lead to the calamity of major birth defects. The
means to do it are within our reach"