Most common cause of multiple fetal anomalies is:

 # Most common cause of multiple fetal anomalies is:

A. Syphilis

B. Tetracycline

C. Rubella

D. Rubeola

The correct answer is C. Rubella.

The correct answer is:

C. Rubella

Explanation:

Rubella, especially when contracted during the first trimester of pregnancy, is a significant cause of multiple fetal anomalies. This is due to its teratogenic effects, which can result in congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The anomalies caused by CRS can include:

• Cardiac defects (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis)
• Ocular defects (e.g., cataracts, retinopathy, glaucoma)
• Auditory defects (e.g., sensorineural hearing loss)
• Neurological defects (e.g., microcephaly, developmental delays)

Other options:

• A. Syphilis: Can cause congenital syphilis with specific anomalies (e.g., skeletal deformities, Hutchinson teeth), but it is not the most common cause of multiple fetal anomalies.
• B. Tetracycline: Causes specific anomalies, mainly involving dental staining and hypoplasia, not a wide range of fetal anomalies.
• D. Rubeola (measles): While it can cause complications in pregnancy, it is less associated with multiple fetal anomalies compared to rubella.

Rubella is particularly significant due to its potential to cause a broad spectrum of anomalies when maternal infection occurs early in pregnancy.