The association between major birth defects and preterm birth.

Objective: To evaluate the association between preterm birth and major birth defects by maternal and infant characteristics and specific types of birth defects.

Study Design: We pooled data for 1995-2000 from 13 states with population-based birth defects surveillance systems, representing about 30% of all U.S.

Descriptive epidemiologic features shared by birth defects thought to be related to vascular disruption in Texas, 1996-2002.

Background: In utero vascular disruptions are thought to be associated with a variety of birth defects. This study examined the descriptive epidemiology of several of those defects using data from a large birth defects registry.

Methods: Data on birth defects ascertained from pregnancies in 1996-2002 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry.

Prevalence is the preferred measure of frequency of birth defects.

Researchers and other public health professionals continue to debate the use of prevalence versus incidence as the preferred term to represent the frequency of birth defects. This paper addresses this question by noting that incidence--the number of new cases of a disorder in a given at-risk population during a specified time period--cannot be reliably estimated with existing data. Consequently, it is not appropriate to use the term "incidence" in reporting the frequency of birth defects, and the term prevalence is recommended.

In utero exposure to environmental estrogens and male reproductive health: a systematic review of biological and epidemiologic evidence.

In recent years, chemicals with hormone-like properties have become a topic of scientific and public discussion. It has been hypothesized that prenatal exposure of the male fetus to endocrine disruptors may be responsible for a series of outcomes, such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism. The purpose of this study was to review the endocrine disruption hypothesis, to present the relevant supporting evidence, to summarize the current knowledge, to identify gaps and limitations in the interpretation of published data, and to define future directions in research.

Birth defects risk associated with maternal sport fish consumption: potential effect modification by sex of offspring.

Contaminated sport fish consumption may result in exposure to various reproductive and developmental toxicants, including pesticides and other suspected endocrine disruptors. We investigated the relation between maternal sport fish meals and risk of major birth defects among infants born to members of the New York State (NYS) Angler Cohort between 1986 and 1991 (n=2237 births). Birth defects (n=125 cases) were ascertained from both newborn medical records and the NYS Congenital Malformations Registry.

Occupational exposure to glycol ethers and human congenital malformations.

Objectives: This commentary reviews toxicological information and critically evaluates epidemiological information on the relationship between glycol ethers and congenital malformations.

Methods: The authors identified and assessed toxicological and epidemiological research on glycol ethers used in occupational settings and congenital malformations. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the possible role of methodological problems in explaining the findings of the epidemiological studies.

Prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly during the transition to mandatory folic acid fortification in the United States.

Background: In 1992, the United States Public Health Service recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 microg of folic acid daily. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the addition of synthetic folic acid to grain products in March 1996 with mandatory compliance by January 1998. The impact of these public health policies on the prevalence of neural tube defects needs to be evaluated.