Review of Birth Defects in a Community Hospital over a Ten-Year Period

An estimated 276,000 babies die within four weeks of birth every year worldwide from congenital anomalies [2]. The most common severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down Syndrome. Although congenital anomalies may be genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental in origin, most often it is difficult to identify the exact cause [2]. In 2004, hospital costs in the U.S. for birth defects totaled $2.6 billion dollars and accounted for more than 139,000 hospitalizations [3]. They are classified as major and minor defects, with major accounting for 3% incidence rate and minor having a varied incidence of 5-10%. Major birth defects are conditions present at birth that cause structural changes in one or more parts of the body. They can have a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability. Minor birth defects are generally considered of limited social or medical significance. While minor anomalies do not greatly affect the child, they can be related to major anomalies or be indications of certain syndromes. Effects of birth defects can range from mild to severe and can result in debilitating illness, long-term disability or death. It is not only a leading cause of fetal loss, but also contributes significantly to preterm birth, childhood and adult morbidity, along with considerable repercussion on the mothers and their families.