Factors Associated with Infant Mortality Due to Congenital Anomalies: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Fatemeh Zolfizadeh1, Maryam Ghorbani2, Maryam Soltani3

  • 1Mother and Child Welfare Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Insights

Congenital anomalies are a major cause of infant mortality. Factors like maternal age, smoking, and consanguineous marriage significantly increase infant death risk from these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Congenital anomalies represent a significant public health challenge, contributing to infant mortality and morbidity.
  • Investigating associated factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors associated with infant mortality due to congenital anomalies in Iran.
  • To inform public health strategies for prevention and management.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 2199 mothers across nine Iranian provinces (2015-2018).
  • Cases: mothers with infant death due to congenital anomalies. Controls: mothers with live births or infant deaths from other causes.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate associated factors.

Main Results:

  • Significant risk factors for infant death from congenital anomalies included: history of cesarean delivery, advanced maternal age, urban living, maternal smoking during pregnancy, consanguineous marriage, and low birth weight.
  • Specific odds ratios and confidence intervals were reported for each identified factor.

Conclusions:

  • Identifying risk factors for congenital anomalies is vital for reducing neonatal complications and healthcare costs.
  • Genetic counseling, educational programs for high-risk women, and prenatal screening are essential for prevention.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.6K
Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.3K
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.2K
Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
57.5K
Nondisjunction01:21

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.  Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis.  Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold...
3.9K
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
415