Birth Defects on the Rise

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WESTPORT, Nov 17 (Reuters Health) - Rates of birth defects, preterm births and

low birthweight babies have been rising steadily since the mid-1980s, in spite

of increased efforts at prevention. This observation comes from a study of

8-year data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control from 1989 through 1996,

conducted by the Pew Environmental Health Commission at the s Hopkins

University School of Public Health, in conjunction with the March of Dimes.

" There is reason for concern as states report that birth defects are the biggest

cause of infant mortality in the first 12 months of life as we enter the 21st

century, " the study's principal investigator, Dr. Lynn Goldman of s Hopkins,

told Reuters Health in an interview after the release of the study findings.

During the study period, preterm births rose 4.5% in single births in white

women. Premature birth rates were even higher among African American women, Dr.

Goldman reported.

Dr. Goldman noted that birth defects and disabilities costs the country $8

billion a year for healthcare, education, and lost work time, " ...much of which

is borne by the families of these children, to say nothing of the emotional

costs. "

Researchers believe that evidence is mounting that environmental factors, such

as toxins in the air and water, and personal behavior, such as smoking and

drinking during pregnancy, may account for the rise in birth defects and chronic

developmental disabilities observed.

The study found that although birth defects are the leading cause of infant

death in the US, one-third of the states fail to track birth defects, and 25

other states currently have systems that need to be improved for more accurate

reporting.

Senator Lowell Weicker Jr., Pew Environmental Health Commission chairman, called

for " ...a renewal of investment in a public health system that will prevent

chronic diseases and disabilities that affect millions. "

Only eight states reached the standard for reporting on birth defects set by the

CDC, Dr. Goldman announced. While rates of birth defects have risen across the

board, they are higher in some states, and the reason for this is not

understood. Higher rates of autism and spina bifida may be caused by

environmental toxins, or they may be the result of better reporting in certain

areas, the report noted.

Tracking needs to be improved in order to better understand the role of

environmental exposure in causing birth defects. More studies need to be done to

determine the effects of many toxins on mothers and children, Weicker stressed.

The Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998 was passed with the intention of

addressing this public health issue. However, less than half the budget intended

for the Act was allocated by Congress, Dr. Howse, president of the

March of Dimes and member of the Pew Commission, observed. " This legislation

called for more surveillance, research, education, and services to prevent birth

defects and protect children, but without full funding the job just won't get

done. "