EUROCAT: an update on its functions and activities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• The European network of congenital anomaly registers (EUROCAT) has undergone significant changes, including the relocation of its Central Register data.
• The network's infrastructure has been transferred from Ulster University to the EU Joint-Research-Centre in Ispra, Italy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development and growth of the EUROCAT network.
• To describe the benefits and applications of combined European congenital anomaly data.
• To highlight ongoing and future research initiatives within the network.

Main Methods:

• Data centralization and management at the EU Joint-Research-Centre.
• Utilizing aggregated data for surveillance and research purposes.
• Engaging in collaborative projects such as EUROlinkCAT.

Main Results:

• The EUROCAT network is now centrally managed at the EU Joint-Research-Centre, enhancing data accessibility and integration.
• Combined European data enables robust surveillance of congenital anomalies at various geographical levels.
• The network supports pharmacovigilance and the registration of rare diseases.

Conclusions:

• The transition of the EUROCAT Central Register signifies a new phase for European collaboration in congenital anomaly research.
• Leveraging integrated European data offers significant advantages for public health monitoring and rare disease initiatives.
• Future projects like EUROlinkCAT promise to further advance the understanding and management of congenital anomalies.