Trends of Hospital Admissions Due to Congenital Anomalies in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019: An Ecological Study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the trends in congenital anomalies-related hospital admissions in England and Wales. Methods: This was an ecological study that was conducted using hospital admission data taken from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities hospital admissions data were extracted for the period between April 1999 and March 2019. Results: Hospital admission rate increased by 4.9% [from 198.74 (95% CI 197.53–199.94) in 1999 to 208.55 (95% CI 207.39–209.71) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.01]. The most common hospital admissions causes were congenital malformations of the circulatory system, the musculoskeletal system, genital organs, and the digestive system. The most notable increase in hospital admissions rate was observed in congenital malformations of the respiratory system (1.01-fold). The age group below 15 years accounted for 75.1% of the total number of hospital admissions. Males contributed to 57.5% of the whole number of hospital admission. Hospital admission rate between females was increased by 6.4% [from 162.63 (95% CI 161.10–164.16) in 1999 to 173.05 (95% CI 171.57–174.54) in 2019 per 100,000 persons]. Hospital admission rate between males was increased by 3.4% [from 236.61 (95% CI 234.72–238.50) in 1999 to 244.70 (95% CI 242.92–246.49) in 2019 per 100,000 persons]. Conclusions: Males had a higher percentage of hospitalisation compared to females. Further studies to investigate the factors associated with higher hospitalisation rate among males are needed.

The Influence of Maternal Factors on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission and In-Hospital Mortality in Premature Newborns from Western Romania: A Population-Based Study

“…Additionally, these characteristics increased the chance of mortality, despite the neonates' access to competent medical care and enhanced life support. Our results are also consistent with previous research indicating that congenital abnormalities were an important cause of NICU admission and mortality among premature newborns, although several maternal risk factors were identified as having lower but significant odds for the same complications [29,30]. Although numerous congenital defects are preventable, they continue to be significant causes of infant mortality.…”

Pregnant mother's knowledge level and its determinant factors towards preventable risk factors of congenital anomalies among mothers attended health institutions for antenatal care, Ethiopia

“…6,7 Not only in developing countries but also congenital anomalies accounts for about 208.55/100, 000 cases of hospital admission during 2019 in European countries. 8 According to a 2015 world health organization report, globally 276,000 newborns under one month of age died as a result of congenital anomalies. 9 In addition, birth defects were risk factors for the death of 303, 000 neonates within a month of delivery and 3.2 million disabilities for live-born children with a direct impact on children, families, health care systems, and communities.…”

COVID-19 and children with congenital anomalies: a European survey of parents’ experiences of healthcare services

“…Open access children without CAs. [9][10][11][12] Although children are less affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults, 13 Down syndrome has been indicated as a risk factor of severe disease and mortality, 14 15 and children with underlying conditions may be at increased risk of infection. 16 It is crucial to document the healthcare experiences of children with CAs during this period of increased pressure on healthcare systems, especially as they represent a vulnerable population.…”

“…Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a range of conditions that are present from birth and remain a leading cause of childhood morbidity and long-term disability 6 7. Children with CAs require regular clinical follow-up,8 including more frequent primary care appointments, hospital admissions and surgeries than children without CAs 9–12. Although children are less affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults,13 Down syndrome has been indicated as a risk factor of severe disease and mortality,14 15 and children with underlying conditions may be at increased risk of infection 16.…”