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Epidemiological data on birth defects is usually derived from surveillance systems. Systematic surveillance for birth defects is yet to be established in India. Data on the magnitude and trends of birth defects have to be derived from other sources, primarily research studies. This review provides an overview of sources of data on congenital anomalies in India, and the magnitude, mortality and disability associated with these conditions in the country. Available data indicate a birth prevalence of 18.44–23.05 per 1000 births, which translates into 472,177 and 581,899 affected births occurring annually in the country. Estimates of congenital anomaly neonatal mortality range from 54,000 to 99,000. Epidemiological data identify that as congenital anomaly mortality is averted, the numbers of disability survivors increase. Data from limited studies suggest that 70% of birth defects are non-fatal. The Modell Global Database of Congenital Disorders estimates that there would be over 150,000 survivors with congenital disability at five years of age per birth cohort. The review identifies the need for a nation-wide birth defects surveillance system for monitoring these large numbers in India. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, a community-based screening and early identification programme for common childhood diseases, nutritional deficiencies, birth defects and developmental delays and disabilities, is a potential opportunity for collecting nation-wide data on birth defects. Till surveillance is established, robust primary studies are needed, that can inform the true prevalence of congenital anomaly affected births, mortality and survivors with disability. Strategically established population-based surveillance can be utilized to monitor the types and prevalence of congenital anomalies in India. |
