Trends in congenital anomalies in Europe from 1980 to 2012

Abstract

BackgroundSurveillance of congenital anomalies is important to identify potential teratogens.MethodsThis study analysed the prevalence of 61 congenital anomaly subgroups (excluding chromosomal) in 25 population-based EUROCAT registries (1980–2012). Live births, fetal deaths and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly were analysed with multilevel random-effects Poisson regression models.ResultsSeventeen anomaly subgroups had statistically significant trends from 2003–2012; 12 increasing and 5 decreasing.ConclusionsThe annual increasing prevalence of severe congenital heart defects, single ventricle, atrioventricular septal defects and tetralogy of Fallot of 1.4% (95% CI: 0.7% to 2.0%), 4.6% (1.0% to 8.2%), 3.4% (1.3% to 5.5%) and 4.1% (2.4% to 5.7%) respectively may reflect increases in maternal obesity and diabetes (known risk factors). The increased prevalence of cystic adenomatous malformation of the lung [6.5% (3.5% to 9.4%)] and decreased prevalence of limb reduction defects [-2.8% (-4.2% to -1.5%)] are unexplained. For renal dysplasia and maternal infections, increasing trends may be explained by increased screening, and deceases in patent ductus arteriosus at term and increases in craniosynostosis, by improved follow up period after birth and improved diagnosis. For oesophageal atresia, duodenal atresia/stenosis and ano-rectal atresia/stenosis recent changes in prevalence appeared incidental when compared with larger long term fluctuations. For microcephaly and congenital hydronephrosis trends could not be interpreted due to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria. The trends for club foot and syndactyly disappeared once registries with disparate results were excluded. No decrease in neural tube defects was detected, despite efforts at prevention through folic acid supplementation.

European task force on atopic dermatitis position paper: treatment of parental atopic dermatitis during preconception, pregnancy and lactation period

“…17 Severe CHD such as single ventricle, atrioventricular septal defects and tetralogy of Fallot are increasing in incidence in Europe. 18 Risk factors for these malformations are maternal obesity and diabetes. The increased incidence of cystic adenomatous malformation of the lung and the decreased prevalence of limb reduction defects are unexplained.…”

“…Oesophageal atresia, duodenal atresia/stenosis and anorectal atresia/stenosis have seen an approximate annual increase in the prevalence of 3% over the last decade. 18 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% (ranging from 1% to 10%) of congenital anomalies are associated with environmental exposures such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, solvents, metals, radiation, contaminants and chemicals. 17 Thus, even though a drug may be considered safe to use during pregnancy, malformations and stillbirths are bound to happen, also in patients with AD and patients who are treated with a drug.…”

Pregnancy outcomes in the omalizumab pregnancy registry and a disease-matched comparator cohort

“…22 In a large population-based study conducted in Europe, hydronephrosis was recorded as a congenital anomaly for approximately 0.1% of newborn infants (reported as 9.8 per 100,000), although it was noted that diagnostic criteria vary substantially, leading to wide variability in reported frequency. 22,23 The frequency of premature birth was greater in the EXPECT subcohort than in the QECC (15.0% vs 11.3%). Nevertheless, the results for premature birth might reflect the underlying difference in prevalence of premature birth in the 2 countries.…”

Incidencia acumulada de anomalías fetales incompatibles con la vida en Perú

“…2,3 Thus, studying the incidence of LCAs is highly relevant, considering that it may reveal possible teratogenic agents. 4 Multiple epidemiological surveillance systems and other primary studies have assessed the incidence of LCAs, since many of them are compiled by the International Clearinghouse Centre for Birth Defects (ICBDSR), which includes information from 29 countries. 5 One of the largest and most organized surveillance systems is the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT), which consists of 23 European countries that follow a standardized data collection methodology.…”