Congenital anomalies concomitant with persistent primary congenital hypothyroidism.

The Israeli national neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was initiated in May 1978. The overall incidence of persistent primary congenital hypothyroidism (PPCH) during the first 10 years of screening was 1:2,950 live births. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the incidence of congenital extrathyroid anomalies (ETAs) among the infants with PPCH and to compare it with the Israeli Birth Defect Monitoring System data. Among 243 PPCH infants on whom adequate data were available, 38 infants (15.6%) had associated congenital anomalies. Fourteen infants had congenital cardiac anomalies (5.8%): VSD (n = 7), PDA (n = 3), PS (n = 2), one mitral insufficiency, and one congenital atrial flutter. Eight children (3.3%) had congenital dislocation of the hip; their M:F ratio was 3:5 similar to the M:F ratio in CH (unlike the ratio in the general population). Some additional anomalies were considerably more common than in the general population. It is reasonable to assume that teratogenic effects active during organogenesis may affect simultaneously many organs, including the developing thyroid, causing a relatively high percentage of CH infants with congenital ETA.     

先天性甲状腺功能减低症筛查结果及治疗随访分析

目的了解佛山市先天性甲状腺功能减低症的发病率、分布特点及治疗随访情况,以促进佛山市新生儿疾病筛查工作更好开展。方法分析佛山市2007年1月至2009年6月期间新生儿先天性甲状腺功能减低症（CH）的筛查结果及治疗随访情况,筛查阳性病例采用化学发光法检测血清中游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸（FT3）、游离甲状腺素（FT4）及促甲状腺激素（TSH）水平,确诊病例按疾病诊疗常规进行治疗和随访。结果共筛查169 530例新生儿,确诊先天性甲状腺功能减低症73例,发病率1/2322,确诊年龄为10～30天,平均14.5天,发病患儿以暂住人口所生子女居多,以禅城及南海两区居多,确诊者立即开始治疗,并定期至筛查中心进行随访。结论通过新生儿筛查可早期诊断先天性甲状腺功能减低症,并早期进行治疗随访,减少患儿智力低下的发生,提高人口素质。     

Increase in congenital hypothyroidism in New York State and in the United States

Mandated screening of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in NYS was initiated in l978. Currently, every newborn screening program in the U.S. includes CH in its panel. Between 1978 and 2005, 7.4 million newborns were screened for CH in NYS. In NYS, between 1978 and 2005, the incidence of CH has increased by 138%. Nationwide (excluding NYS data), with nearly 58 million infants screened between 1987 and 2002, the incidence has increased 73% between 1987 and 2002. These data and possible reasons for the increases are discussed, though no definitive causes are identified.     

2008年-2009年合肥地区新生儿疾病筛查结果分析

目的分析合肥市2008年-2009年新生儿疾病筛查开展情况,了解新生儿苯丙酮尿症（PKU）、先天性甲状腺功能低下症（CH）发病率。方法回顾性分析合肥市新生儿疾病筛查中心PKU、CH的筛查及召回结果。结果 2008年-2009年,合肥市新筛中心共筛查新生儿70 683例,总体筛查率为77.68%,检出PKU和CH分别为8例和35例,PKU检出率为1/8835,CH检出率为1/2020。结论合肥市PKU和CH检出率与相关文献报道相近,新生儿疾病筛查能够早期识别PKU和CH患儿。     

韶关市新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下症筛查

目的分析韶关市近6年来新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下症（CH）的筛查情况和发病率。方法新生儿出生72h充分哺乳6次后足跟采血,滴在特殊的滤纸（美国S﹠S903滤纸）片上,用时间分辨荧光免疫分析法测定促甲状腺素浓度。TSH≥10.0U/L,通知原采血单位立即召回再采血复查,结果仍超过10.0U/L,由本院直接召回抽血确诊。结果6年共筛查新生儿77220例,可疑阳性患儿572例,确诊33例,发病率为1/2340。结论韶关市新生儿CH发病率高于全国统计率,可能与环境因素及饮食习惯有关。     

Associated anomalies in cases with congenital clubfoot

Congenital clubfoot CTEV is a common congenital anomaly, its etiology is unclear and its pathogenesis is controversial. Cases with CTEV often have other non‐CTEV associated congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the types of these associated anomalies in a defined population. The associated anomalies in cases with CTEV were collected in all livebirths, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy during 29 years in 387,067 consecutive births in the area covered by our population‐based registry of congenital malformations. Of the 504 cases with CTEV, representing a prevalence of 13.02 per 10,000, 107 (21.2%) had associated anomalies. There were 31 (6.1%) cases with chromosomal abnormalities, and 21 (4.2%) non‐chromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions including syndromes: 6 arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, 2 22q11.2 microdeletion, and one fetal alcohol syndrome. Fifty‐five (10.9%) of the cases had nonsyndromic multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Anomalies in the cardiovascular, the central nervous, the urinary, the orofacial, and the musculoskeletal systems were the most common other anomalies in the cases with MCA. The anomalies associated with CTEV could be classified into a recognizable malformation syndrome in 52 of the 107 cases (48.6%) with associated anomalies. This study included special strengths: it is population‐based, each affected child was examined by a geneticist, all elective terminations were ascertained, and the surveillance for anomalies was continued until 2 years of age. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, one of five cases, emphasizes the need for a screening for other anomalies in cases with CTEV.     

Associated anomalies in cases with agenesis of the corpus callosum

Agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) is an uncommon congenital anomaly, its etiology is unclear and its pathogenesis is controversial. Cases with ACC often have other non‐ACC associated congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the types of these associated anomalies in a defined population. The associated anomalies in cases with ACC were collected in all live births, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy during 29 years in 387,067 consecutive births in the area covered by our population‐based registry of congenital malformations. Of the 99 cases with ACC, representing a prevalence of 2.56 per 10,000, 73 (73.7%) had associated anomalies. There were 16 (16.2%) cases with chromosomal abnormalities, and 13 (13.2%) nonchromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions including syndromes two each: Aicardi, Dandy–Walker, and fetal alcoholism. Forty‐four (44.4%) of the cases had nonsyndromic multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Anomalies in the musculoskeletal, the urogenital, the central nervous, the cardiovascular, and the digestive systems were the most common other anomalies in the cases with MCA. The anomalies associated with ACC could be classified into a recognizable malformation syndrome in 29 out of the 73 cases (39.7%) with associated anomalies. This study included special strengths: it is population‐based, each affected child was examined by a geneticist, all elective terminations were ascertained, and the surveillance for anomalies was continued until 2 years of age. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, three of four cases, emphasizes the need for a screening for other anomalies in cases with ACC.     

大庆地区新生儿先天性甲状腺功能减低症筛查10年回顾

目的探讨大庆市新生儿甲状腺功能减低症（CH）的发病情况。方法采用酶联免疫法测定干血片中TSH浓度。结果1999年10月—2009年9月共筛查117621例新生儿,平均筛查率81．69％,发病率1／1867。结论大庆市CH的发病率较高,积极开展该疾病的筛查和治疗工作具有重要意义。     

潍坊市10年80万新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下症筛查分析

目的为了解潍坊地区新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下症筛查发病率,治疗方法及干预效果和群体分布情况。方法各级采血单位按技术规范要求采集符合标准血样送至筛查中心,先天性甲低筛查用TECAN酶标仪测定TSH,根据切值筛查阳性患儿,最后确诊的病人接收治疗。结果 10年筛查人数799 241人次,确诊阳性病人先天性甲状腺功能低下症为340例,1例四氢生物碟呤缺乏症（BH4缺乏症）,发病率为1/2351。结论有效地反应出潍坊地区筛查发病率,并对新生儿CH早发现,早诊断,早治疗及干预,从而使患儿生长发育指标,智能达到同龄水平。     

Associated anomalies in multi-malformed infants with cleft lip and palate: An epidemiologic study of nearly 6 million births in 23 EUROCAT registries

We studied 5,449 cases of cleft lip (CL) with or without cleft palate (CL/P) identified between 1980 and 2000 from the EUROCAT network of 23 registers (nearly 6 million births) in 14 European countries. We investigated specific types of defects associated with clefts. Among CL/P cases (prevalence = 9.1 per 10,000), 1,996 (36.6%) affected only the lip (CL) and 3,453 (63.4%) involved CL and palate (CLP). A total of 3,860 CL/P cases (70.8%) occurred as isolated anomalies and 1,589 (29.2%) were associated with other defects such as multiple congenital anomalies of unknown origin (970), chromosomal (455) and recognized syndromes (164). Associated malformations were more frequent in infants who had CLP (34.0%) than in infants with CL only (20.8%). Among multi-malformed infants, 2 unrelated anomalies were found in 351 cases, 3 in 242 cases, and 4 or more in 377 cases. Among 5,449 CL/P cases, 4,719 were live births (LB) (86.6%), 203 stillbirths (SB) (3.7%), while 508 (9.3%) were terminations of pregnancy (ToP). CL/P occurred significantly more frequently in males (M/F = 1.70), especially among total isolated cases (M/F = 1.87) and CLP isolated cases (M/F = 1.92). The study confirmed that musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system defects are frequently associated with CL/P. An association with reduction anomalies of the brain was found. This association suggests that clinicians should seek to identify structural brain anomalies in these patients with CL/P as the potential functional consequences may be important for rehabilitation and clinical management.     

新疆地区45499例新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下筛查分析

目的探讨新疆地区新生儿先天性甲状腺功能低下症(CH)的发病情况,以便做到早确诊、早治疗。方法新生儿出生后72h,采足跟血,制成干血滤纸片,用时间荧光分辨法检测干血片中促甲状腺素(TSH)的水平,TSH≥9μU/ml为阳性,阳性病人召回采静脉血,用化学发光法测甲功五项(TSH、FT3、FT4、T3、T4浓度)而确诊。确诊患儿立即口服甲状腺素片或优甲乐进行治疗并定期监测其体格和智力发育情况。结果自2003年1月至2010年12月共筛查45499例新生儿,确诊31例,检出率为1/1468,明显高于全国平均水平。结论新生儿促甲状腺功能低下症的筛查和治疗,是减少出生缺陷,提高人口素质的重要措施。     

Frequency of associated anomalies in congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris muscle: A study of 50 patients

Aside from congenital heart disease, anomalies associated with unilateral hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle have not been well-documented in large series. We evaluated the associated anomalies in 50 infants or children with this disorder (male:female = 2:1) and found accompanying anomalies in 35 (70%) of 50 cases. They included anomalies of the head and neck (48%), heart (44%), skeleton (22%), genitourinary tract (24%), central nervous system (10%), gastrointestinal tract (6%), and miscellaneous minor anomalies (8%). Nearly half of our cases (22/50) had at least 2 associated systemic anomalies. Failure to thrive and psychomotor retardation were found in 5 (10%) and 3 (6%) patients, respectively, on follow-up. Three infants died neonatally of severe heart disorders, and the other one died of central nervous system anomalies. The above findings indicate that a thorough search for associated anomalies, particularly in the cardiovascular system, should be performed in all newborns with asymmetric crying face. Am. J. Med. Genet. 71:215–218, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Congenital neurodevelopmental anomalies in pediatric and young adult cancer

Congenital anomalies that are diagnosed in at least 120,000 US infants every year are the leading cause of infant death and contribute to disability and pediatric hospitalizations. Several large‐scale epidemiologic studies have provided substantial evidence of an association between congenital anomalies and cancer risk in children, suggesting potential underlying cancer‐predisposing conditions and the involvement of developmental genetic pathways. Electronic medical records from 1,107 pediatric, adolescent, and young adult oncology patients were reviewed. The observed number (O) of congenital anomalies among children with a specific pediatric cancer subtype was compared to the expected number (E) of anomalies based on the frequency of congenital anomalies in the entire study population. The O/E ratios were tested for significance using Fisher's exact test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare overall and neurological malignancy survival rates following tumor diagnosis. Thirteen percent of patients had a congenital anomaly diagnosis prior to their cancer diagnosis. When stratified by congenital anomaly subtype, there was an excess of neurological anomalies among children with central nervous system tumors (O/E = 1.56, 95%CI 1.13–2.09). Male pediatric cancer patients were more likely than females to have a congenital anomaly, particularly those <5 years of age (O/E 1.35, 95%CI 0.97–1.82). Our study provides additional insight into the association between specific congenital anomaly types and pediatric cancer development. Moreover, it may help to inform the development of new screening policies and support hypothesis‐driven research investigating mechanisms underlying tumor predisposition in children with congenital anomalies.     

Associated malformations among infants with neural tube defects

Infants with neural tube defects (NTDs) often have associated congenital anomalies. The reported frequency and types of associated malformations vary between different studies. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the frequency and types of associated malformations among infants with NTDs in a geographically well-defined population from 1979 to 2008 of 402,532 consecutive births. Of the 441 infants with NTDs born during this period, 20.4% had associated malformations. Infants with associated malformations were divided into those with recognizable conditions [11 (2.5%) infants with chromosomal and 23 (5.2%) with non-chromosomal conditions], and those without recognizable conditions [56 (12.7%) infants with multiple malformations]. Associated malformations were more frequent among infants with encephalocele (36.8%) than those with anencephaly (11.5%) or spina bifida (23.8%). Oral clefts and malformations in the musculoskeletal, renal and cardiovascular systems were the most commonly observed associated anomalies. The frequency of associated malformations in infants with NTDs emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation of these infants. Routine screening for other malformations, especially facial clefts and musculoskeletal, renal and cardiac anomalies, may need to be considered in infants with NTDs, and referral of these infants for genetics evaluation and counseling seems warranted.     

Associated nonurinary congenital anomalies among infants with congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT)

Infants with congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) often have other associated anomalies. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence and the types of associated anomalies in CAKUT in a defined population from northeastern France. The associated anomalies in CAKUT were collected in all livebirths, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy during 26 years in 346,831 consecutive births of known outcome in the area covered by our population based registry of congenital anomalies. Of the 1678 infants with CAKUT born during this period (prevalence at birth of 48.4 per 10,000), 563 (34%) had associated anomalies. There were 119 (7%) patients with chromosomal abnormalities including 33 trisomies 18 (2%), and 168 (10%) nonchromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions. There were no predominant recognized dysmorphic conditions, but VA(C)TER(L) association (3%). However, other recognised dysmorphic conditions were registered including Meckel–Gruber syndrome (2%), and prune belly syndrome (1%). Two hundred seventy six (16%) of the patients had multiple congenital anomalies, non syndromic, non chromosomal (MCA). Anomalies in the musculoskeletal, the digestive, the cardiovascular and the central nervous systems were the most common other anomalies. Prenatal diagnosis was obtained in 71% of dysmorphic syndromes with CAKUT. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, which was one in three infants, emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation of infants with CAKUT. The most commonly associated major nonurinary anomalies involved the musculoskeletal system, followed by the digestive, the cardiovascular and the central nervous systems. A routine screening for other anomalies may be considered in infants and in fetuses with CAKUT. One should be aware that the anomalies associated with CAKUT can be classified into a recognizable anomaly syndrome or pattern in one out of six infants with CAKUT.     

Cord blood thyrotropin screening for primary hypothyroidism on Caribbean island: a rapid communication

Screening programs using determinations of serum thyroxine have demonstrated that congenital hypothyroidism occurs in one in 4,000 live births in North America. More than 90 percent of affected infants have primary hypothyroidism with elevated plasma thyrotropin (TSH) levels. Since the feasibility of newborn screening and incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in other less well developed areas of the world is not well defined, a study was undertaken of neonatal primary hypothyroid screening infants born on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia in the Lesser Antilles. Three hundred thirteen cord blood samples were collected on filter paper and transported 3,000 miles to Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine (LUMC). From LUMC, the samples were transported to the Illinois State Metabolic Screening Laboratory for determination of TSH by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In this group of newborns, the mean TSH level in cord blood was 10.23 +/- 0.29 microIU per ml (SEM). It is concluded that screening programs for neonatal primary hypothyroidism can be performed using reference laboratories far removed from the population under observation.     

Clinical features of 78 adults with 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS) is a common microdeletion syndrome with multisystem expression. Phenotypic features vary with age, ascertainment, and assessment. We systematically assessed 78 adults (36 M, 42 F; mean age 31.5, SD 10.5 years) with a 22q11.2 deletion ascertained through an adult congenital cardiac clinic (n = 35), psychiatric-related sources (n = 39), or as affected parents of subjects (n = 4). We recorded the lifetime prevalence of features requiring attention, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) not overlapping zero. Subtle learning difficulties, hypernasality and facial gestalt were not included. We investigated ascertainment effects using non-overlapping subgroups ascertained with tetralogy of Fallot (n = 31) or schizophrenia (n = 31). Forty-three features met inclusion criteria and were present in 5% or more patients, including several of later onset (e.g., hypothyroidism, cholelithiasis). Number of features per patient (median 9, range 3-22) correlated with hospitalizations (P = 0.0002) and, when congenital features were excluded, with age (P = 0.02). Adjusting for ascertainment, 25.8% (95% CI, 9.5-42.1%) of patients had cardiac anomalies and 22.6% (95% CI, 7.0-38.2%) had schizophrenia. Ascertainment subgroups were otherwise similar in median number and prevalence of features. Non-characteristic features are common in 22q11DS. Adjusting for ascertainment effects is important. Many treatable conditions may be anticipated and features may accumulate over time. The results have implications for clinical assessment and management, genetic counseling and research into pathophysiological mechanisms.     

Increased rate of major birth malformations in infants with neonatal "asymmetric crying face": a hospital-based cohort study

Asymmetric crying face (ACF) is a minor anomaly found in 3-8 per 1,000 births, which may be associated with other anomalies. Previous studies on this topic included small groups of selected subjects, resulting in large variations in findings. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and associated anomalies of newborn infants with ACF compared with the general population of newborn infants. The study included newborn infants delivered between 1993 and 2003 at the Department of Neonatology of Rabin Medical Center, Israel. Charts of all newborns diagnosed with ACF were reviewed for obstetric and neonatal details, then compared with non-ACF newborns. ACF was diagnosed in 258 of 67,289 newborns (0.38%), with left-side predominance (77%). Major malformations were found in 7% of ACF infants, 3.5-fold higher than in the total Israeli population. Mild anomalies were present in 15% of the ACF group, and deformations in 4.6%. There was a higher rate of forceps deliveries in the ACF group (RR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.37-5.42). ACF was more prevalent among females, and the male:female ratio was lower in the ACF group (0.86 vs. 1.06, P = 0.05). The rate of low-birth-weight infants was 3.9% among ACF infants and 9.6% in the control group (RR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23-0.76). No significant between-group difference was found for rates of primiparity, macrosomia, prematurity, postmaturity, or size-for-gestational-age. Thus, ACF is associated with a high rate of major malformations. This should prompt clinicians to seek for additional birth defects in ACF infants.     

100749例新生儿中先天性甲状腺功能减低症筛查结果分析

目的分析2011年1月-2011年11月保定地区新生儿先天性甲状腺功能减低症（CH）的发病特点。方法对此时间段内由市,各区,县医疗保健单位送往保定市新生儿疾病筛查中心的新生儿足跟血滤纸干血片100 749人份,（生后3-7天采血,滴于S＆903S型滤纸上）采用时间分辨荧光免疫技术,检测干血斑中促甲状腺素（hTSH）含量,将复查可疑阳性患儿召回,通过血清学甲功五项检测（电化学发光法）进行确诊。结果 100 749人新生儿中,筛查出可疑阳性患儿1856人,男998人,女858人,筛查阳性率1.84%,召回1548人,召回率83.4%,确诊CH患儿42人,男21人,女21人,检出率约1/2399,与2008年报道的检出率1/3333相比有所上升。其中1月发病率最低,4月最高,1月～4月呈上升趋势,6、9、11月发病较低,其余月较高。结论新生儿筛查是早期发现先天性甲状腺功能减低症患儿的重要手段,2011年1月～11月期间,CH发病率比以往高,9月～11月是筛查高峰期,但不是发病高峰期,1月～4月发病率呈上升趋势,其余月无规律。     

Congenital clubfoot in Europe: A population‐based study

We aimed to assess prevalence, birth outcome, associated anomalies and prenatal diagnosis of congenital clubfoot in Europe using data from the EUROCAT network, and to validate the recording of congenital clubfoot as a major congenital anomaly by EUROCAT registries. Cases of congenital clubfoot were included from 18 EUROCAT registries covering more than 4.8 million births in 1995–2011. Cases without chromosomal anomalies born during 2005–2009, were randomly selected for validation using a questionnaire on diagnostic details and treatment. There was 5,458 congenital clubfoot cases of which 5,056 (93%) were liveborn infants. Total prevalence of congenital clubfoot was 1.13 per 1,000 births (95% CI 1.10–1.16). Prevalence of congenital clubfoot without chromosomal anomaly was 1.08 per 1,000 births (95% CI 1.05–1.11) and prevalence of isolated congenital clubfoot was 0.92 per 1,000 births (95% CI 0.90–0.95), both with decreasing trends over time and large variations in prevalence by registry. The majority of cases were isolated congenital clubfoot (82%) and 11% had associated major congenital anomalies. Prenatal detection rate of isolated congenital clubfoot was 22% and increased over time. Among 301 validated congenital clubfoot cases, diagnosis was confirmed for 286 (95%). In conclusion, this large population‐based study found a decreasing trend of congenital clubfoot in Europe after 1999–2002, an increasing prenatal detection rate, and a high standard of coding of congenital clubfoot in EUROCAT.