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Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies in Iran
Ahmad Khaleghnejad-Tabari1, Saeed Dastgiri2, Hamid Soori3
1Pediatric Surgery Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Congenital anomalies affect 2.5% of births in Iran, with genital and limb defects being most common. This study provides crucial data for improving birth defect prevention and screening programs nationwide.
Area of Science:
- Medical Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital anomalies impact 3-8 million infants globally each year.
- Prevalence varies, ranging from 3% to 7% of births across different countries.
- Understanding birth defect epidemiology in Iran is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nationwide epidemiological features of congenital anomalies in Iran.
- To establish baseline data for birth defect prevalence and patterns.
- To inform public health strategies for prevention and management.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted across six major regions in Iran.
- Data collected from maternity facilities affiliated with regional medical universities.
- Newborns examined at birth and followed until discharge for congenital defects.
Main Results:
- A total of 138,643 births were analyzed, with 3,458 cases of congenital anomalies.
- The overall prevalence of congenital anomalies was 249.4 per 10,000 births.
- Genital organ anomalies (92.7/10,000) and limb anomalies (83.3/10,000) were most prevalent.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential data on the burden of congenital anomalies in Iran.
- Findings are vital for planning and evaluating antenatal screening programs.
- Highlights the need for a national registry for congenital anomalies.
Background:
Annually, 3-8 million infants are born with congenital anomalies worldwide, ranging from 3% to 7% of births in different countries. This study aimed to investigate the nationwide epidemiological features of birth defects in Iran.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in six major regions across Iran. The data sources were the maternity facilities affiliated with regional universities of medical sciences. All children were examined by obstetricians, pediatricians, or midwives at birth, and newborns were followed until discharge from the facility for health status, maturity, and congenital defects.
Results:
A total of 138,643 births were registered in the maternity facilities across the study regions. Among these newborns, 3,458 cases were diagnosed with congenital anomalies, representing an overall prevalence rate of 249.4 per 10000 births (95% CI: 241.2-257.8). Genital organ anomalies exhibited the highest rates of defects in the country with 92.7 per 10000 births (95% CI: 86.4-98.9), followed by limb anomalies at 83.3 per 10000 births (95% CI: 77.4-89.3). The prevalence of respiratory system, chromosomal, and urinary tract anomalies was less than 10 per 10000 births.
Conclusion:
Until a national registry for congenital anomalies is established, this study provides essential data on the magnitude of the health problems caused by congenital anomalies in Iran. The findings would be vital for planning and evaluating antenatal screening for birth defects, particularly for high-risk groups and regions in the country.
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