Birth defects in newborns and stillborns: an example of the Brazilian reality
2011

Birth Defects in Newborns and Stillborns in Brazil

Sample size: 110 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Camila Ive Ferreira Oliveira, Antonio Richieri-Costa, Valéria Cristina Carvalho Ferrarese, Denise Cristina Móz Vaz, Agnes Cristina Fett-Conte

Primary Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP

Hypothesis

What are the incidence, causes, and consequences of birth defects in newborns and stillborns in Brazil?

Conclusion

The incidence of birth defects among newborns and stillbirths in our population is similar to those obtained by other studies in Brazil and underdeveloped countries.

Supporting Evidence

  • The incidence of birth defects was found to be 2.8%.
  • 73.6% of cases had an identified etiology.
  • Congenital heart disease and Down syndrome were the most common defects.
  • Maternal age and parental consanguinity were identified as risk factors.

Takeaway

This study looked at babies born with problems in Brazil and found that many had genetic issues, and some were caused by things like alcohol during pregnancy.

Methodology

The study involved physical assessments, medical record analysis, and genetic testing of newborns and stillborns with birth defects over one year.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the reliance on parental reporting for some data.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The majority of mothers were aged 20 to 34 years, with a range from 13 to 46 years.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

ci95%: 64.4-81.6%

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-0500-4-343

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