Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies: A Community-Based Study in the Northwest of Iran

Background. Congenital anomalies are responsible for a remarkable proportion of mortality and morbidity in newborns. The aim of this study was to document the epidemiological features of congenital anomalies in rural areas, northwest of Iran. Method. The study population included live births born between 2004 and 2012 in rural areas of Tabriz district. All health records of the children under 8 years were assessed retrospectively. Results. Of 22500 live births, 254 cases were identified with a primary diagnosis of congenital anomalies giving a prevalence rate of 112.89 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 99.08 to 126.69). Anomalies of the nervous system were the most common defects, accounting for 24% of birth defects followed by the heart diseases anomalies. The highest prevalence rate for birth defects was observed in the south-western region with 386 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 215 to 556) compared to the similar rate in the north-western region with 15 per 10 000 births (95% CI: ？14 to 45). Conclusion. The considerable geographic disparities in the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the region might be attributed to the highly polluted industrial zone in the area (including air and water pollution, etc.). This needs further etiological investigations in the region. 1. Introduction Congenital anomalies affect a remarkable proportion of newborn population and contribute significantly to the childhood mortality and hospital admissions [1]. Congenital anomalies are a global health problem. Every year an estimated 7.9 million children are born with a serious birth defect, 3.3 million children (under five years) die from birth defects, and 3.2 million who survive may develop a disability later in the life [2]. They are the leading cause of prenatal mortality and childhood morbidity and disability in many countries [1]. The wide range of causes of birth defects means that a portfolio of prevention approaches is needed. The prevention of these disorders is available in 60% of cases [3, 4]. This needs however epidemiological information. Prevalence studies of congenital anomalies are useful to establish baseline rates, to document changes over time, and to identify clues to the etiology. Many of developed countries monitor the prevalence of birth defects through registration or surveillance system of fetuses and infants. In addition, international organizations have been established to conduct worldwide surveillance and research into the occurrence and possible causes of congenital anomalies and to establish prevention strategies [5]. Congenital anomalies are the