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Patterns in the prevalence of congenital heart defects, metropolitan Atlanta, 1978 to 2005

Kari Bjornard1, Tiffany Riehle-Colarusso, Suzanne M Gilboa

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

Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|February 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is increasing, particularly common and less severe types. Some racial and ethnic differences in CHD prevalence were observed, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Birth Defects Research

Background:

  • Understanding congenital heart defect (CHD) prevalence is crucial for clinical care, etiological research, and prevention strategies.
  • Temporal and racial/ethnic trends in CHD birth prevalence require evaluation for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate temporal trends in the birth prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in metropolitan Atlanta from 1978 to 2005.
  • To assess racial/ethnic variations in CHD prevalence during the study period.

Main Methods:

  • Ascertainment of major structural CHDs from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (1978-2005).
  • Calculation of birth prevalence per 10,000 live births and joinpoint regression analysis for temporal trend evaluation.
  • Prevalence ratios were computed to compare racial/ethnic groups (blacks and Hispanics vs. whites).

Main Results:

  • A total of 7301 major structural CHDs were identified among 1,079,062 live births (overall prevalence: 67.7 per 10,000).
  • Aggregate CHD prevalence increased from 50.3 per 10,000 (1978-1983) to 86.4 per 10,000 (2000-2005).
  • Significant racial/ethnic prevalence differences were noted for all CHDs combined and specific subtypes like ventricular septal defects and aortic stenosis.

Conclusions:

  • The overall prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs), especially common and less severe types, is rising.
  • Observed racial/ethnic disparities in CHD prevalence suggest potential variations in ascertainment, risk factors, or susceptibility that require further research.
Abstract

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