Trends in the Prevalence of Births with Chromosomal Abnormalities — Haidian District, Beijing Municipality, China, 2013–2022

Abstract

Summary What is already known about this topic? The primary causes of early miscarriage and stillbirth are chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) whose prevalence has been observed to increase in recent years. What is added by this report? According to data received from a hospital-based birthdefect surveillance system in the Haidian District, Beijing, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of CAs along with most subtypes from 2013 to 2022. This noted increase in the reported prevalence is potentially attributable to factors such as a rise in maternal age, alongside the enhanced detection efficacy resulting from the utilization of noninvasive prenatal testing. What are the implications for public health practice? The escalating prevalence of sex CAs and other previously rare CAs pose novel challenges for genetic counseling and healthcare practitioners. These professionals are tasked with the accurate evaluation and interpretation of detection data, which must then be conveyed appropriately to patients. Furthermore, it is imperative to intensify health education efforts to assist women in making informed treatment decisions, considering the diverse prognoses associated with different CAs.