Gastroschisis prevalence patterns in 27 surveillance programs from 24 countries, International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, 1980–2017
Marcia L. Feldkamp, Mark A. Canfield, Sergey Krikov, David Prieto‐Merino, A Šípek, Nathalie Lelong, Emmanuelle Amar, Anke Rißmann, Melinda Csáky‐Szunyogh, Giovanna Tagliabue, Anna Pierini, Miriam Gatt, Jorieke E. H. Bergman, Elena Szabová, Eva Bermejo, David Tucker, Saeed Dastgiri, María Paz Bidondo, Aurora Canessa, Ignacio Zarante, Paula Hurtado‐Villa, Laura Martínez, Osvaldo M. Mutchinick, Jorge S. López‐Camelo, Adriana Benavides‐Lara, Mary Ann Thomas, Shiliang Liu, Wendy N. Nembhard, Elizabeth B. Gray, Amy Nance, Pierpaolo Mastroiacovo, Lorenzo D. Botto
Abstract
Abstract Background Gastroschisis is a serious birth defect with midgut prolapse into the amniotic cavity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and time trends of gastroschisis among programs in the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR), focusing on regional variations and maternal age changes in the population. Methods We analyzed data on births from 1980 to 2017 from 27 ICBDSR member programs, representing 24 countries and three regions (Europe + (includes Iran) , Latin America, North America). Cases were identified using diagnostic codes (i.e., 756.7, 756.71, or Q79.3). We excluded cases of amniotic band syndrome, limb–body wall defect, and ruptured omphalocele. Programs provided annual counts for gastroschisis cases (live births, stillbirths, and legally permitted pregnancy terminations for fetal anomalies) and source population (live births, stillbirths), by maternal age. Results Overall, gastroschisis occurred in 1 of every 3268 births (3.06 per 10,000 births; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.01, 3.11), with marked regional variation. European + prevalence was 1.49 (95%CI: 1.44, 1.55), Latin American 3.80 (95%CI: 3.69, 3.92) and North American 4.32 (95%CI: 4.22, 4.42). A statistically significant increasing time trend was observed among six European + , four Latin American, and four North American programs. Women <20 years of age had the highest prevalence in all programs except the Slovak Republic. Conclusions Gastroschisis prevalence increased over time in 61% of participating programs, and the highest increase in prevalence was observed among the youngest women. Additional inquiry will help to assess the impact of the changing maternal age proportions in the birth population on gastroschisis prevalence.