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The incidence and epidemiology of congenital upper limb anomalies: a total population study
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia.
Insights
Congenital upper limb anomalies affect 1 in 506 newborns, with common types including failures of differentiation and duplications. These conditions are more frequent in boys and associated with specific birth circumstances.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital upper limb anomalies represent a significant group of birth defects with varying etiologies and clinical impact.
- Understanding the prevalence and epidemiological factors is crucial for public health initiatives and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the population-based prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of congenital upper limb anomalies.
- To classify anomalies using a standardized system and identify associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- An 11-year population study in Western Australia encompassing all births.
- Classification of anomalies according to the International Federation of Surgical Societies of the Hand.
- Analysis of demographic and clinical data to identify prevalence and associated factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of congenital upper limb anomalies was 1 in 506 births.
- Failures of differentiation (35%), duplications (33%), and failures of formation (15%) were the most common anomaly types.
- Increased prevalence was observed in males, preterm/postterm/multiple births, and with advanced maternal age.
Conclusions:
- Congenital upper limb anomalies have a defined prevalence and distinct epidemiological associations.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering maternal and neonatal factors in the epidemiology of these anomalies.
Abstract:
An 11-year total population study of Western Australia examined the prevalence and epidemiology of congenital upper limb anomalies. All anomalies were classified according to the International Federation of Surgical Societies of the Hand classification. We found the prevalence of babies born with upper limb anomalies to be 1 in 506. Forty-six percent of those affected had another nonhand congenital anomaly. Fifty-one percent had bilateral hand anomalies, and 17% had multiple different hand anomalies. The most common anomalies were failures of differentiation (35%), duplications (33%), and failures of formation (15%). Congenital upper limb anomalies were more common in boys; preterm, postterm, and multiple births; and older mothers. No significant differences in prevalence or frequency of anomalies were found between whites and nonwhites, left and right sides, and in babies that survived and those who died shortly after birth.