Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Oct 2005
Improving case ascertainment of a population-based birth defects registry in New York State using hospital discharge data.
The assessment of the data quality of population-based registration systems is essential to understanding the reliability and usefulness of disease surveillance and research findings resulting from the use of registry data. Since the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry (CMR) uses passive case ascertainment, the completeness of the registry data is an important aspect of the quality of information. This paper presents the results of hospital audits, which were conducted to capture the unreported cases using hospital discharge files, and evaluates the effectiveness of the audits. ⋯ The current study demonstrates that using hospital discharge data to improve case ascertainment is a valuable and effective method of enhancing birth defect surveillance, particularly for those hospitals with low reporting rates.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Sep 2004
Birth defects in Arkansas: is folic acid fortification making a difference?
Since 1998, fortification of grain products with folic acid has been mandated in the United States, in an effort to reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Published reports have shown a reduction in the prevalence of spina bifida since fortification was mandated, but no published studies have reported a reduction in birth defects, other than NTDs, that are postulated to be associated with folic acid deficiency. This study was performed to determine if fortification has reduced the prevalence of NTDs and other birth defects in Arkansas. ⋯ In Arkansas, the prevalence of spina bifida has decreased since folic acid fortification of foods was implemented. Similar studies by other birth defects surveillance systems are needed to confirm a preventive effect of fortification for malformations other than spina bifida.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Aug 2004
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialIs lack of morning sickness teratogenic? A prospective controlled study.
Case-control studies have suggested that the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) may have a protective effect against specific malformations. These suggestions have been interpreted as if the lack of NVP may put mothers at an increased teratogenic risk. ⋯ This study did not show an association between lack of NVP and an increase in the overall rates of major malformations.
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Feb 2003
ReviewAre there teratogenic risks associated with antidotes used in the acute management of poisoned pregnant women?
We reviewed evidence suggesting teratogenic risk associated with the use of antidotes in the acute management of poisoned pregnant women. ⋯ Despite the limited evidence supporting the risk of antidote use during pregnancy, antidotes should be used when there is a clear maternal indication to decrease the morbidity or mortality associated with poisoning. The only exception may be penicillamine, which is a teratogen. Better antidotes exist for most poisonings that penicillamine could potentially treat. At this time, there is no known fetal indication for all antidotes. Reporting the use of an antidote during pregnancy should be encouraged, especially if used during the critical period of organogenesis.