Objectives and principles of recording congenital abnormalities in Poland in the light of various epidemiological data
Wolańska, W.; Mikiel-Kostyra, K.; Mazur, J.
Pediatria Polska 61(4): 232-238
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-3939 PMID: 3797150 Document Number: 272936
The incidence of congenital anomalies in children in Poland is described in the light of studies using various methods. It is stressed that congenital anomalies are of ever increasing importance in developmental-age medicine. This results from the magnitude of the problem, its consequences, and very great costs of their treatment and especially prevention. It is estimated that from 14 to 21 thousand newborns are born in Poland yearly with congenital anomalies. About 4 thousand children and adolescents aged up to 18 years die yearly from these anomalies, and 70% of them die in infancy. Attention is called to the difficulty of predicting presently further trends in the occurrence of congenital anomalies since it must be kept in mind that besides environmental factors a considerable role is played by genetic factors. The study of this problem for possible reduction of the incidence of anomalies would be very important for the society. The aims and principles are discussed of the register of congenital anomalies conducted by the Mother and Child Institute in 9 selected provinces of Poland.