Birth Defects in Northern Iran (2008–2013)

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies are important medical and public health conditions. The pattern and prevalence of birth defects may vary over time or with geographical location. We investigated the live birth prevalence and occurrence pattern of birth defects in Golestan Province, northern Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 144920 live newborns in 13 hospitals in Golestan Province, northern Iran, from 21 Jan 2008 to 19 Mar 2013. The newborns were examined for the presence of birth defects and mothers were interviewed for variables such as maternal age and ethnicity. In addition, data for each newborn was filed in a questionnaire and the coding of birth defects was translated to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision–clinical modification (ICD-10-CM). RESULTS: Overall, 1690 infants were diagnosed as having birth defects among 144920 live newborns. The prevalence rate of birth defects was 11.66 per 1000 live births, the prevalence of birth defects per 1000 was11.62 in males and 11.42 in females. The prevalence of congenital anomalies among native Fars, Turkmen and Sistani were 13.03, 11.16 and 13.07, respectively, per 1000 live births. Anomalies of the cardiovascular system were the most common defects; the prevalence rate of cardiovascular system was 8.34 per 1000 live birth. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of birth defects in this area was lower than in the other regions in Iran (20.3 per 1000 live births) but higher than in some parts of Asia (7.33 per 1000 live births).