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[A survey on the constitutional status of perinates in China]

Insights

This study monitored over 1.2 million infants in China, finding a birth defect incidence of 130.1 per 10,000. Congenital malformations significantly contributed to perinatal deaths.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatology
  • Public Health
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Birth defects represent a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of congenital anomalies is crucial for public health interventions.
  • Previous data on the incidence and types of birth defects in China were limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of various birth defects in China.
  • To identify the leading categories of major birth defects.
  • To analyze the contribution of congenital malformations to perinatal mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month prospective study (1986.10-1987.9) monitored 1,243,284 perinates in 945 hospitals across 29 Chinese provinces.
  • Data collection included live and still births from 28 weeks gestation to 7 days postpartum.
  • 101 categories of birth defects were recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A total of 16,172 infants had birth defects, yielding an overall incidence of 130.1 per 10,000.
  • The five most frequent major birth defects were anencephaly, hydrocephaly, spina bifida, cleft lip with cleft palate, and congenital heart diseases.
  • Congenital malformations accounted for 17.8% of 33,137 perinatal deaths, with a perinatal mortality rate of 26.7 per 10,000.

Conclusions:

  • Birth defects pose a substantial burden in China, with specific anomalies being most prevalent.
  • Congenital malformations are a major contributor to perinatal mortality.
  • Further research and targeted interventions are needed to address the impact of birth defects.

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