Orofacial clefts in Costa Rica, 1996-2021: Analysis of surveillance data.

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects (BD). In 2008, a series of improvements began in the Costa Rican Birth Defect Register Center (CREC). We aim to explore trends between 1996 and 2021.

Gastroschisis prevalence patterns in 27 surveillance programs from 24 countries, International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, 1980-2017.

Background: Gastroschisis is a serious birth defect with midgut prolapse into the amniotic cavity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and time trends of gastroschisis among programs in the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR), focusing on regional variations and maternal age changes in the population.

Methods: We analyzed data on births from 1980 to 2017 from 27 ICBDSR member programs, representing 24 countries and three regions (Europe , Latin America, North America).

Population-based prevalence and trend of birth defects in Costa Rica from 2000 to 2019.

Background: We aimed to analyze the prevalence and trend of birth defects (BDs) in Costa Rica, where BDs are the second leading cause of infant and under-five mortality.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of selected BDs prevalence and trends from 2000 to 2019 was performed, based on data from the Costa Rican Birth Defects Register Center, the national BDs surveillance system with coverage of 98% of live births in the country. We used Joinpoint regression to identify any calendar year where a significant change in trend occurred; the annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were determined.

Global strategies for the prevention of neural tube defects through the improvement of folate status in women of reproductive age.

Introduction: Neural tube defects represent a global public health problem, mainly in countries where effective prevention strategies are not yet in place. The global prevalence of neural tube defects is estimated at 18.6/10,000 (uncertainty interval: 15.

Integrated surveillance strategy to support the prevention of neural tube defects through food fortification with folic acid: the experience of Costa Rica.

Purpose: (1) To describe how Costa Rica implemented an integrated surveillance strategy of folate deficiency, neural tube defects (NTDs) prevalence, NTDs-associated infant mortality rate (NTDs-IMR), and folic acid food fortification (FAFF), to support with evidence NTDs prevention policies; (2) to disseminate updated data from monitoring programs.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis, using the databases of national surveillance systems for NTDs outcomes to compare NTDs-prevalence and NTDs-IMR observed in the pre-fortification (1987-1998) and post-fortification (2010-2020) periods. In addition, using data from FAFF monitoring program (2010-2020), means of folic acid concentration (mg/kg) and folic acid daily intake (μg/day) were calculated for each fortified food (corn and wheat flour, rice and milk), as well as its contribution to folic acid estimated average requirement (EAR).

Reduction of infant mortality from congenital heart defects in a middle-income country: Costa Rican experience.

Background: We aimed to analyze recent infant and neonatal mortality from congenital heart defects (CHD) in Costa Rica, a middle-income country where CHD mortality was above expectations.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of infant and neonatal mortality rates from CHD (IMR-CHD and NMR-CHD) during 2000-2019 was performed, according to province, sex, specific CHD, and sub-period, using data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. We used joinpoint regression to identify any calendar-year where a significant change in trend occurred; the average annual percent change (AAPC) was determined.

Prevalence of microcephaly: the Latin American Network of Congenital Malformations 2010-2017.

Objective: The Latin American Network of Congenital Malformations: ReLAMC was established in 2017 to provide accurate congenital anomaly surveillance. This study used data from ReLAMC registries to quantify the prevalence of microcephaly from 2010 to 2017 (before, during and after the Zika virus epidemic).

Design: Nine ReLAMC congenital anomaly registries provided case-level data or aggregate data for any live births, still births or terminations of pregnancy with microcephaly.

Zika Virus-Associated Birth Defects, Costa Rica, 2016-2018.

After Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Costa Rica was confirmed in January 2016, the national surveillance system was enhanced to monitor associated birth defects. To characterize the ZIKV outbreak among live-born infants during March 2016–March 2018, we conducted a descriptive analysis. Prevalence of ZIKV-associated birth defects was 15.

Under-5 Mortality in Central America: 1990-2016.

Background And Objectives: We aimed to calculate the change in under-5 mortality rates (U5MRs) (1990-2016), to assess countries' status regarding Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2.1 (reducing the U5MR to ≤25 deaths per 1000 live births by 2030), to list the most important causes of death (1990, 2016), and to examine the association between selected SDG indicators and U5MRs using a linear mixed-effects regression.

The Latin American network for congenital malformation surveillance: ReLAMC.

The early detection of congenital anomaly epidemics occurs when comparing current with previous frequencies in the same population. The success of epidemiologic surveillance depends on numerous factors, including the accuracy of the rates available in the base period, wide population coverage, and short periodicity of analysis. This study aims to describe the Latin American network of congenital malformation surveillance: ReLAMC, created to increase epidemiologic surveillance in Latin America.

Prevalence and mortality in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a multicountry study.

Purpose: This study determined the prevalence, mortality, and time trends of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods: Twenty-five hospital- and population-based surveillance programs in 19 International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research member countries provided birth defects mortality data between 1974 and 2015. CDH cases included live births, stillbirths, or elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies.

[Infant mortality from birth defects in Costa Rica, 1981-2010].

Objective: Identify trends for different types of birth defects and their impact on infant (IMR) and neonatal (NMR) mortality rates in Costa Rica from 1981 to 2010.

Methods: Infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality trends were analyzed, using data from the Central American Population Center, which uses the International Classification of Diseases, versions 9 and 10, to classify causes of death. For each group of birth defects, a Poisson log-linear regression model was constructed.

[Characterisation of the paediatric population of Costa Rica with tuberous sclerosis and a description of the behaviour of the associated epilepsy].

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a pathology with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance that is due to a disorder affecting cell differentiation and proliferation that produces hamartomas in different organs. Its variable forms affect the central nervous system, the kidneys, the skin and other organs. No studies have been conducted on its prevalence and behaviour in the paediatric population of Costa Rica.

[Epidemiology and registry of congenital heart disease in Costa Rica].

Objective: Characterize the population of children born with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Costa Rica and evaluate the country's registry processes.

Methods: Exploratory observational study that included all children with CHD diagnosed at the National Children's Hospital between 1 May 2006 and 1 May 2007. Considering children under 1 year of age and their respective birth cohort, prevalence was estimated by sex, type of heart disease, age at diagnosis, maternal age, habitual residence, and associated extracardiac malformations, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).