[Incidence of ectromelia deformities in the Magdeburg region]

Since there is no nationwide system and documentation of congenital malformations in Germany, local health authorities were not able to respond to the question of an increase in limb reduction defects occurring on the coast of Northern Germany. Previously, such an increase had been reported by the media in England in 1994. For limb reduction defects, the feasibility and efficiency of the so-called "Magdeburg-model" for monitoring congenital malformations is demonstrated. This model provides data on reduction defects for analysing regional (Magdeburg versus Magdeburg county) and temporal trends, and for classifying reduction defects. The data are based on a population of 214.901 births (lifebirths and stillbirths) and on the analysis of 64 cases with limb reduction defects over a 15-year period. In 1992-1994 in Magdeburg and Magdeburg county no increase of limb reduction defects and other indicator malformations were found.