What is congenital cartilage developmental abnormality, and how should it be managed?

In general, congenital cartilage developmental abnormalities may be caused by environmental factors, malnutrition, medication use, amniotic cavity infection syndrome, diabetes, and other factors. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

When a pregnant woman is exposed to harmful substances such as heavy metals or pesticides during pregnancy, these substances may cross the placenta and enter the fetal body, interfering with cartilage development. Such harmful substances may adversely affect cellular processes in the embryo, including cell division, differentiation, and migration, potentially leading to congenital cartilage developmental abnormalities, delayed growth and development, and related symptoms. It is advisable to avoid exposure to harmful environments promptly and ensure good ventilation in workplaces or living areas to reduce the accumulation of hazardous substances.

2. Malnutrition

If a pregnant woman suffers from malnutrition and lacks essential nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins—during pregnancy, this may impair normal cartilage development in the embryo. Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet and consume nutrient-rich foods such as fish, milk, and eggs.

3. Medication Use

The use of certain antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy—such as phenytoin sodium tablets, carbamazepine tablets, or zonisamide tablets—may directly affect chondrocytes (cartilage cells), leading to abnormal cartilage development. Pregnant women should avoid self-medicating and strictly follow medical advice when taking medications.

4. Amniotic Cavity Infection Syndrome

Amniotic cavity infection syndrome may result from pathogen infections. This condition triggers inflammatory responses that produce inflammatory cytokines and mediators. These inflammatory factors may disrupt the normal development and function of embryonic cartilage cells, resulting in cartilage developmental abnormalities, fever, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, and other symptoms. Treatment may include antibiotics such as ampicillin capsules, clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, or lincomycin hydrochloride tablets, taken under medical guidance.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is typically caused by insufficient insulin secretion. In diabetic patients, elevated blood glucose levels may persistently impair cartilage development during embryogenesis. Hyperglycemia may interfere with the normal development and function of chondrocytes, leading to cartilage developmental abnormalities, obesity, retinopathy, and other symptoms. Medications such as glimepiride capsules, metformin hydrochloride tablets, or acarbose tablets may be used for treatment under a doctor's supervision.

In daily life, consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk, tofu, and shrimp may help prevent congenital cartilage developmental deficiencies.