Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyHealth care expenditures among Medicaid enrolled children with and without orofacial clefts in North Carolina, 1995-2002.
National data that examine health costs among children with special needs are limited and do not address children with orofacial clefts (OFC). This study examines Medicaid expenditures among children with and without OFC. ⋯ Children with OFC have significantly higher health-related Medicaid expenditures than unaffected children. These findings are important for targeting care coordination and early intervention and for program planning and policy development related to special needs children.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Sep 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudySpina bifida before and after folic acid fortification in Canada.
In 1998, fortification of a large variety of cereal products with folic acid became mandatory in Canada. A multicentric study was carried out to assess the impact of this policy on the frequency of NTDs. The present analysis focused on spina bifida. ⋯ Results confirmed the etiologic heterogeneity of spina bifida and the more pronounced effect of folic acid in decreasing the risk of the more severe clinical presentations.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Apr 2007
Maternal use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors in early pregnancy and infant congenital malformations.
Maternal use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has recently been associated with an increased risk for certain malformations. ⋯ Use of SSRIs in early pregnancy does not seem to be a major risk factor for infant malformations. The association between paroxetine use and infant cardiovascular defects may be a result of multiple testing, but is supported by other studies.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Nov 2006
Comparative StudyNational rates of birth defects among hospitalized newborns.
The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) family of hospital discharge databases offer an unprecedented opportunity to generate national estimates of newborn infants with birth defects. This report estimates national hospital admissions for newborn infants diagnosed with birth defects computed from HCUP and compares them to pooled prevalence figures computed from state birth defect surveillance systems. ⋯ HCUP data approximate state-based surveillance system data for defects that are easily recognized in the newborn period and infrequently a cause for elective termination. HCUP data can be used to examine the impact of public health efforts on the number of infants born with birth defects as well as the cost and consequences of variations in the hospital management of birth defects.