Epidemiologie von Fehlbildungen

The prevalence rates of congenital birth defects in Germany are useful for assessing the general background risk of having a child with a birth defect. At present, the risk of being born with a major malformation is about 5–7% in Germany. Epidemiological data on malformation from (birth-) registries represent the basis for determining regional and temporal prevalence trends for major malformations, for evaluating and initiating preventive measures, and for initiating research projects. Active monitoring systems should be required to avoid collection, observer and definition biases. The essential epidemiological knowledge for research on malformation is provided.