Increased prevalence of some birth defects in Korea, 2009–2010

Abstract

BackgroundBirth defects are a leading cause of neonatal and infant mortality, and several studies have indicated an increase in the prevalence of birth defects; more recent investigations have suggested that the trends of some defects are increasing in rapidly industrialized areas. This study estimates the prevalence rate and types of birth defects in Korea.MethodsThis study used medical insurance benefit data of 403,250 infants aged less than one year from the National Health Insurance Corporation from seven metropolitan areas in Korea for 2009 and 2010.ResultsThe prevalence rate of birth defects was 548.3 per 10,000 births (95 % CI: 541.1–555.6), 306.8 among boys and 241.5 among girls. Anomalies of the circulatory system (particularly septal defects) were the most common (180.8 per 10,000), followed by defects of the genitourinary tract (130.1 per 10,000) (particularly obstructive genitourinary and undescended testis), musculoskeletal system (105.7 per 10,000), digestive system (24.7 per 10,000), and central nervous system (15.6 per 10,000).ConclusionsRelatively higher rates of some birth defects were found in the metropolitan areas. The high differences of birth prevalences for septal heart defects and undescended testis are probably due in part to progress in clinical management and more frequent prenatal diagnosis. Environmental exposure might play a critical role in the development of some birth defects. In attempting to describe the prevalence and spatio-temporal variations of birth defects in Korea, establishment of a registry system of birth defects and environmental surveillance are needed.

Trends in the Prevalences of Selected Birth Defects in Korea (2008–2014)

“…We identified apparent upward trends in the prevalences of urogenital anomalies, particularly, renal dysplasia, renal agenesis, undescended testis, and hypospadias. In Korea, previous studies have reported increases in the prevalence of some urogenital anomalies [ 13 , 14 ]. Kim et al indicated that the incidence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias increased in Korea from 2000 to 2005 (5.01 to 17.43 per 10,000 and 1.40 to 3.28 per 10,000 births, respectively).…”

“…In Korea, cryptorchidism increased from 5.01 to 17.43 per 10,000 births and hypospadia also increased from 1.40 to 3.28 per 10,000 births between 2000 and 2005 [ 13 ]. In addition, a Korean study based on medical insurance claims data for 2009–2010 showed a 14-fold increase in hypospadias and epispadias, a 12-fold increase in atrial septal defects, a 11-fold increase in undescended testis as compared with 1993–1994 [ 14 ].…”

A national cohort study evaluating infant and fetal mortality caused by birth defects in Korea

“… 1–3 However, another study reported the prevalence of birth defects in Korea in 2009 and 2010 as 5.8%. 13 Although there might be methodological limitations and variations, the prenatal and postnatal detection rates of birth defects in live births seems to be increasing. In this study, 22.8% of infant deaths in Korea were related to birth defects.…”

“…In addition, mandatory folic acid supplementation in Korea might help reduce nervous system anomalies because the youngest age group is less likely to take periconceptional folic acid supplementation and the overall prevalence of spina bifida in Korea is showing a tendency to increase. 13 …”

Mutations in the tail domain of MYH3 contributes to atrial septal defect

“…The incidence of CHD among Asians has been reported to be 50% higher compared to the Caucasians and Blacks, especially for severe and complex CHD that have a high infant mortality [9]. In Asian countries, the incidence of ASD is high in Malaysia (9.6%) [10], Korea (44.2%) [11] and Thailand (43%) [12]. Studies have described that approximately 5% of children with serious CHD dies without undergoing any procedures [13].…”