Age at diagnosis of birth defects.

Background: Many birth defects surveillance programs ascertain cases of birth defects diagnosed beyond 1 year of age. The Western Australian (WA) Birth Defects Registry includes cases diagnosed up to 6 years of age, but the value of extending ascertainment beyond 1 year has not been assessed.

Methods: We examined the age at diagnosis for all cases and all birth defects notified to the WA Birth Defects Registry for births and terminations of pregnancy in 2000 and 2001 and estimated the amount of person time needed to ascertain cases diagnosed beyond 1 year of age.

Trends in neural tube defects in Western Australia.

Objective: To report on trends in neural tube defects in Western Australia, in relation to folate promotion, periconceptional use of folic acid supplements and food fortification with folate.

Methods: Data on neural tube defects from the Western Australian Birth Defects Registry.

Results: A 30% fall in neural tube defects was documented from 1996 to 2000.