World Leaders In The Study Of Birth Defects Meet In Southern California

CORONADO, CA –Dozens of world-renowned researchers in the field of teratology, the study of exposures that cause birth defects, met in the San Diego region for the 24th International Conference of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) this week. OTIS is a North American non-profit that educates the public about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as conducts relevant research. A branch of the organization (CTIS Pregnancy Health Information Line) is based at the University of California, San Diego.

“Internationally recognized speakers at this conference provided information on cutting edge research on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) around the world, on the ethics of including pregnant women in clinical trials, and on maternal exposure to environmental contaminants and risk of having a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, just to name a few,” said Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones, a UCSD professor of pediatrics and in-coming president of OTIS. Dr. Jones was one of two doctors who first identified FASD in 1973. He later founded the CTIS Pregnancy Health Information Line, OTIS’ California branch.

Nearly 100 of the world’s top minds in teratology, general health care providers and educators gathered Friday June 24^th through Tuesday, June 28^th at Loews

Coronado Bay Resort for the conference. The conference’s private reception was held Saturday night in Imperial Beach at Jersey Boys Diner on Seacoast Drive.

“It’s an honor to not only host a conference of this magnitude, but to also introduce the world to all of the wonderful research we’re conducting here in Southern California,” added Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, UCSD professor of pediatrics and director of the CTIS Pregnancy Health Information Line. Last year the conference was held in Louisville, KY.

OTIS recently launched studies regarding the influenza, as well as the meningitis and HPV, vaccine’s safety in pregnancy. To learn more about the group’s on-going studies or to volunteer please visit OTISPregnancy.org.

The Centers for Disease Control has recognized OTIS as the primary resource for medications in pregnancy information. In California, questions or concerns women or health care providers have about medications and other exposures in pregnancy or breastfeeding can be directed to CTIS Pregnancy Health Information Line counselors at (800) 532-3749 or via instant message counseling at CTISPregnancy.org. Outside of California, please call OTIS at (866) 626-6847.