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Updated National Birth Prevalence estimates for selected birth defects in the United States, 2004-2006

Samantha E Parker1, Cara T Mai, Mark A Canfield

  • 1National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.

Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|September 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Updated national birth defect prevalence estimates show significant variation based on surveillance methods and pregnancy outcomes. These findings are crucial for public health monitoring and prevention strategies in the U.S.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) collects state-specific data for national birth defect prevalence estimates.
  • Previous national estimates for 21 birth defects were published using 1999-2001 data.
  • This study updates these national prevalence estimates using more recent data from 2004-2006.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To update national birth defect prevalence estimates using 2004-2006 data.
  • To analyze the impact of different surveillance methods on prevalence estimates.
  • To assess the influence of pregnancy outcomes on prevalence estimates for specific defects.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized population-based data from active and passive surveillance programs.
  • Calculated pooled birth prevalence estimates for 21 birth defects, stratified by ascertainment approach.
  • Determined national prevalence estimates adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity and age, and assessed the impact of elective terminations.

Main Results:

  • National prevalence estimates ranged from 0.72 (common truncus) to 14.47 (Down syndrome) per 10,000 live births.
  • Active surveillance programs reported higher prevalence for anencephaly, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, cleft lip, upper limb reduction defects, and trisomy 18.
  • Prevalence of anencephaly, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18 varied significantly when elective terminations were included.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate and timely national birth defect prevalence estimates are essential for trend monitoring.
  • These estimates support the assessment of prevention efforts and public health service planning.
  • Understanding the burden of disease due to birth defects is critical for the U.S.
Abstract

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