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Midline congenital anomalies: the estimated occurrence among American Indian and Alaska Native infants
D A Coddington1, J J Hisnanick
1George Washington University Department of General Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Insights
Congenital anomalies are a significant cause of infant mortality for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This study estimated morbidity rates for seven midline malformations in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital anomalies are the second leading cause of infant mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives.
- Limited data exists on the morbidity of these malformations in this population.
- Understanding malformation rates is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the morbidity rates of seven common midline congenital anomalies.
- To analyze data for liveborn infants of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
- To provide baseline data for public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Indian Health Service national hospital discharge database (1980-1988).
- Focused on seven identifiable midline malformations.
- Calculated estimated rates per 10,000 births.
Main Results:
- Neural tube defects: 8.09 per 10,000 births.
- Oral clefts: 29.03 per 10,000 births.
- Other defects ranged from 1.86 to 5.90 per 10,000 births.
- 7 cases (1.1%) presented with two midline defects.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential morbidity data for congenital anomalies in American Indian and Alaska Native infants.
- The findings highlight specific malformations that may require focused attention.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes and develop prevention strategies.
Abstract:
While congenital anomalies have been identified as the second leading cause of infant mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives, limited information exists concerning the morbidity of such malformations. This study was undertaken to address this concern. Using data from the national hospital discharge database of the Indian Health Service, for the years 1980-1988, morbidity rates of seven, relatively common and easily identifiable midline malformations among liveborn infants in this minority population were estimated. The seven congenital anomalies and the estimated rates per 10000 births were: neural tube defects 8.09; oral clefts 29.03; abdominal wall defects 2.99; tracheoesophageal fistula 1.86; conotruncal heart defects 5.90; rectal atresia 3.15; and diaphragmatic hernia 3.24. Seven cases (1.1%) had two midline defects reported.