National Perinatal Prevalence of Selected Major Birth Defects — China, 2010−2018

Abstract

Introduction: An estimated of 900,000 infants are born with birth defects each year in China causing a substantial disease burden. This study aimed to depict the epidemiological patterns of selected major birth defects in Chinese perinatal births and provide important baseline data for future prevention. Methods: Data from the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network (CBDMN) during 2010–2018 were used to analyze the epidemiological pattern in the prevalence of 15 major birth defects and the trends over time. Results: In the period of 2010–2018, the top 10 most frequently-occurring birth defects in China included congenital heart diseases (CHDs), polydactyly, cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P), club foot, syndactyly, hydrocephalus, hypospadias, limb reduction defects (LRD), anotia/microtia, and anorectal atresia/stenosis. There was a decrease in the prevalence of neural tube defects, CL/P, hydrocephalus, LRD, gastroschisis, and omphalocele, but there were increases in the prevalence of CHDs, cleft palate, hypospadias, club foot, polydactyly, and syndactyly. The prevalence of most birth defects varied significantly by maternal age, area types (urban/rural), and geographic regions. Conclusions and Implications for Public Health Practice: The findings indicated that the comprehensive prevention of birth defects should focus on these selected birth defects, elderly pregnant women, rural areas, and western regions.