Birth defects data from surveillance hospitals in Dalian city,China, 2006–2010

Objective: The objective of this study is to disclose characteristics of birth defects in perinatal infants in Dalian and provide an epidemiological basis for controlling birth defects.

Methods: Data used in this study were collected from surveillance hospitals in Dalian during 2006–2010. Comparison analysis and trend analysis were conducted by performing Chi-square tests.

Results: The perinatal prevalence of birth defects from 2006 to 2010 was 101.14 per 10?000 live births and was decreased by about 29% from 115.49 per 10?000 live births in 2006 to 81.16 per 10?000 live births in 2010. The prevalence in urban was higher than that in rural areas significantly. The three leading birth defects were congenital heart disease, cleft lip and/or palate, and polydactyly or syndactyly. About 572 cases identified by antenatal diagnosis were terminated pregnancy before 28 weeks of gestation, so the prevalence of birth defects would decrease from 126.29/10?000 to 101.14/10?000.

Conclusions: Dalian has experienced a decreasing temporal trend of birth defects’ prevalence; however, it is still confronted with the challenge to reduce the prevalence of birth defects. Congenital heart diseases are the focus to prevent birth defects. It is necessary to keep the surveillance system function properly, provide preconception health care service extensively, and improve the ability of prenatal diagnosis.