Genetic susceptibility for retinopathy of prematurity and its associated comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading cause of child blindness. Preterm newborns of very low gestational age (GA) and very low birth weight are at the greatest risk. Our objective was to evaluate the role of genetic variants associated with ROP risk and its comorbidities in an Argentinian sample of premature infants. METHODS: A sample of 437 preterm infants <33 weeks GA, born at a maternity hospital in Tucumán, Argentina, 2005-2010, was analyzed. Environmental factors, perinatal outcomes, and fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with ROP were evaluated, comparing ROP with non-ROP newborns. A lasso logistic regression was performed to select variables; then, a conditional logistic regression was used to identify ROP maternal and perinatal risk factors adjusting by maternal and gestational ages, respectively. RESULTS: ROP maternal risk factors were alcohol intake, periodontal infections, and severe stress. Respiratory distress, sepsis, and intracranial hemorrhage were the ROP perinatal risk factors. Markers rs186085 of EPAS1 and rs427832 of AGTR1 were significantly associated with ROP newborns. CONCLUSION: We identified three maternal and three perinatal risk factors associated with ROP. Genes EPAS1 and AGTR1, involved in angiogenesis and vascularization, were identified to be of risk for ROP. IMPACT: Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with ROP and its comorbidities are evaluated in a Latin American population. Genes EPAS1 and AGTR1, involved in angiogenesis and vascularization, were identified to be of risk for ROP. Three maternal and three perinatal risk factors associated with ROP were also identified. A matrix of significant relationships among genetic markers and comorbidities is presented. Reported data may help develop more effective preventive measures for ROP in the Latin American region.

Indirect Effects of Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status on Preterm Birth Risk in an Argentine Population.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth (PTB) is the main condition related to perinatal morbimortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the indirect effects of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) on the risk of spontaneous PTB. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective case-control study including sociodemographic and obstetric data of multigravid women who gave birth at a maternity hospital in Tucumán, Argentina, between 2005 and 2010: 949 women without previous PTB nor pregnancy loss who delivered at term and 552 who had spontaneous PTB. NSES was estimated from the Unsatisfied Basic Needs index of census data. Variables selected through penalised regressions were used to create a data-driven Bayesian network; then, pathways were identified and mediation analyses performed. RESULTS: Maternal age less than 20 years mediated part of the protective effect of high NSES on spontaneous PTB [natural indirect effect (NIE) -0.0125, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.0208, -0.0041)] and on few prenatal visits (< 5) [NIE - 0.0095, 95% CI (-0.0166, -0.0025)]. These pathways showed greater sensitivity to unobserved confounders that affect the variables mediator-outcome in the same direction, and exposure-mediator in the opposite direction. They did not show sensitivity to observed potential confounders, nor to the parameterization used to define NSES. Meanwhile, urinary tract infections showed a trend in mediating the effect of low NSES on spontaneous PTB [NIE 0.0044, 95% CI (-0.0006, 0.0093), P 0.0834]. CONCLUSIONS: High NSES has protective indirect effects on spontaneous PTB risk, mainly associated with a lower frequency of teenage pregnancy.

Gene-environment interactions and preterm birth predictors: A Bayesian network approach.

Preterm birth (PTB) is the main condition related to perinatal morbimortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify gene-environment interactions associated with spontaneous PTB or its predictors. We carried out a retrospective case-control study including parental sociodemographic and obstetric data as well as newborn genetic variants of 69 preterm and 61 at term newborns born at a maternity hospital from Tucumán, Argentina, between 2005 and 2010. A data-driven Bayesian network including the main PTB predictors was created where we identified gene-environment interactions. We used logistic regressions to calculate the odds ratios and confidence intervals of the interactions. From the main PTB predictors (nine exposures and six genetic variants) we identified an interaction between low neighbourhood socioeconomic status and rs2074351 (PON1, genotype GG) variant that was associated with an increased risk of toxoplasmosis (odds ratio 12.51, confidence interval 95%: 1.71 - 91.36). The results of this exploratory study suggest that structural social disparities could influence the PTB risk by increasing the frequency of exposures that potentiate the risk associated with individual characteristics such as genetic traits. Future studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these findings.

Estudio de prevalencia y letalidad neonatal en pacientes con anomalías congénitas seleccionadas con datos del Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas de Argentina / Study on the prevalence and neonatal lethality in patients with selected congenital anomalies as per the data of the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina

Introducción. Las anomalías congénitas (AC), en Argentina, representan el 26% de las defunciones infantiles. La tasa de letalidad de AC mide el riesgo de morir entre los afectados. Objetivos. Describir la prevalencia al nacer de un grupo de AC seleccionadas, estimar la tasa de letalidad neonatal y analizar su asociación con diferentes variables. Población y métodos. El estudio se realizó con datos del Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas. Se calcularon las prevalencias de encefalocele, espina bífida, gastrosquisis, onfalocele, hernia difragmática, atresia de esófago, atresia intestinal o malformación anorrectal (período 2009-2013). La letalidad se evaluó a los 7 y a los 28 días de vida en los afectados de presentación aislada (año 2013). Se analizó la asociación con las variables sexo, edad gestacional, peso al nacer, detección ecográfica prenatal, porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas del departamento de residencia materna, región geográfica y nivel de complejidad del hospital de nacimiento. Resultados. Gastrosquisis fue la AC de mayor prevalencia (8,53/10 000 nacimientos) y hernia difragmática, la de mayor tasa de letalidad neonatal (66,67%). En el total de las AC seleccionadas, fue significativa la asociación entre mayor edad gestacional y sobrevida a los 7 días -OR: 0,81 (0,70-0,95)- y a los 28 días de vida -OR: 0,79 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,91)-. Mayor porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas se asoció a mayor letalidad con hernia difragmática -OR: 1,59 (IC 95%: 1,30-1,95)- y con atresia intestinal o malformación anorrectal -OR: 16,00 (IC 95%: 1,63-157,24)-. Conclusiones. La alta prevalencia de gastrosquisis coincide con el aumento a nivel mundial. La prematurez y el alto porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas incrementaron el riesgo de morir en los afectados.

Introduction. Congenital anomalies (CAs) account for 26% of infant mortality in Argentina. The lethality rate for CAs measures the risk of death among affected infants. Objectives. To describe the prevalence at birth of a group of selected CAs, to estimate the neonatal lethality rate, and to examine its association with different variables. Population and Methods. The study was conducted using data provided by the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies. Prevalences of encephalocele, spina bifida, gastroschisis, omphalocele, diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, intestinal atresia, or anorectal malformation were estimated (2009-2013 period). Lethality was assessed at 7 and 28 days of life in affected infants with an isolated anomaly (2013). Association with the following variables was analyzed: sex, gestational age, birth weight, antenatal ultrasound screening, percentage of unmet basic needs in the district where the mother lives, geographic region, and level of care at the hospital where the delivery took place. Results. Gastroschisis was the most prevalent CA (8.53/10,000births), while diaphragmatic hernia was the CA with the highest neonatal lethality rate (66.67%). Out of all selected CAs, there was a significant association between an higher gestational age and survival at 7 days -OR: 0.81 (0.70-0.95)- and survival at 28 days -OR: 0.79 (95% confidence interval --CI--: 0.68-0.91)-. A higher percentage of unmet basic needs was associated with a higher lethality for diaphragmatic hernia -OR: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.30-1.95)- and for intestinal atresia or anorectal malformation -OR: 16.00 (95% CI: 1.63-157.24)-. Conclusions. The highprevalence of gastroschisis is consistent with the increase observed globally. Prematurity and a high percentage of unmet basic needs increased the risk of death among affected infants.

Estudio de prevalencia y letalidad neonatal en pacientes con anomalías congénitas seleccionadas con datos del Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas de Argentina / Study on the prevalence and neonatal lethality in patients with selected congenital anomalies as per the data of the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina

Introducción. Las anomalías congénitas (AC), en Argentina, representan el 26% de las defunciones infantiles. La tasa de letalidad de AC mide el riesgo de morir entre los afectados. Objetivos. Describir la prevalencia al nacer de un grupo de AC seleccionadas, estimar la tasa de letalidad neonatal y analizar su asociación con diferentes variables. Población y métodos. El estudio se realizó con datos del Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas. Se calcularon las prevalencias de encefalocele, espina bífida, gastrosquisis, onfalocele, hernia difragmática, atresia de esófago, atresia intestinal o malformación anorrectal (período 2009-2013). La letalidad se evaluó a los 7 y a los 28 días de vida en los afectados de presentación aislada (año 2013). Se analizó la asociación con las variables sexo, edad gestacional, peso al nacer, detección ecográfica prenatal, porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas del departamento de residencia materna, región geográfica y nivel de complejidad del hospital de nacimiento. Resultados. Gastrosquisis fue la AC de mayor prevalencia (8,53/10 000 nacimientos) y hernia difragmática, la de mayor tasa de letalidad neonatal (66,67%). En el total de las AC seleccionadas, fue significativa la asociación entre mayor edad gestacional y sobrevida a los 7 días -OR: 0,81 (0,70-0,95)- y a los 28 días de vida -OR: 0,79 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,91)-. Mayor porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas se asoció a mayor letalidad con hernia difragmática -OR: 1,59 (IC 95%: 1,30-1,95)- y con atresia intestinal o malformación anorrectal -OR: 16,00 (IC 95%: 1,63-157,24)-. Conclusiones. La alta prevalencia de gastrosquisis coincide con el aumento a nivel mundial. La prematurez y el alto porcentaje de necesidades básicas insatisfechas incrementaron el riesgo de morir en los afectados.(AU)

Introduction. Congenital anomalies (CAs) account for 26% of infant mortality in Argentina. The lethality rate for CAs measures the risk of death among affected infants. Objectives. To describe the prevalence at birth of a group of selected CAs, to estimate the neonatal lethality rate, and to examine its association with different variables. Population and Methods. The study was conducted using data provided by the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies. Prevalences of encephalocele, spina bifida, gastroschisis, omphalocele, diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, intestinal atresia, or anorectal malformation were estimated (2009-2013 period). Lethality was assessed at 7 and 28 days of life in affected infants with an isolated anomaly (2013). Association with the following variables was analyzed: sex, gestational age, birth weight, antenatal ultrasound screening, percentage of unmet basic needs in the district where the mother lives, geographic region, and level of care at the hospital where the delivery took place. Results. Gastroschisis was the most prevalent CA (8.53/10,000births), while diaphragmatic hernia was the CA with the highest neonatal lethality rate (66.67%). Out of all selected CAs, there was a significant association between an higher gestational age and survival at 7 days -OR: 0.81 (0.70-0.95)- and survival at 28 days -OR: 0.79 (95% confidence interval |-CI-|: 0.68-0.91)-. A higher percentage of unmet basic needs was associated with a higher lethality for diaphragmatic hernia -OR: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.30-1.95)- and for intestinal atresia or anorectal malformation -OR: 16.00 (95% CI: 1.63-157.24)-. Conclusions. The highprevalence of gastroschisis is consistent with the increase observed globally. Prematurity and a high percentage of unmet basic needs increased the risk of death among affected infants.(AU)

Determinantes sociales adversos y riesgo para anomalías congénitas seleccionadas / Adverse social determinants and risk for congenital anomalies

Introducción. Diferentes trabajos han relacionando condiciones sociales adversas a nivel familiar y regional con resultados perinatales (mortalidad neonatal, bajo peso y prematuridad), sin embargo, pocos estudiaron el efecto de la pobreza sobre anomalías congénitas. Objetivo. Evaluar el riesgo de ocurrencia de 25 anomalías congénitas y determinantes sociales adversos según el nivel socioeconómico de la familia y de la región. Población y métodos. Estudio caso-control exploratorio, en el que se utilizaron datos del Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congénitas (ECLAMC). La muestra consistió en 3786 recién nacidos vivos con una única malformación y 13 344 controles, seleccionados entre 546 129 nacimientos, ocurridos en 39 hospitales de Argentina durante el período 1992-2001. Se estimaron los riesgos (OR) directos, indirectos (a través de la región de residencia) y la interacción entre el nivel socioeconómico individual y residencial para cada uno de los 25 defectos congénitos. Resultados. Los defectos labio leporino con/sin paladar hendido (OR= 1,43) y comunicación interventricular (OR= 1,38) mostraron un riesgo significativamente mayor en el nivel socioeconómico más bajo. Los niveles socioeconómicos bajos se asociaron de manera significativa con una mayor frecuencia de consanguinidad parental, ancestros nativos, edad materna menor de 19 años, más de 4 embarazos, bajo número de visitas prenatales y residencia en regiones desfavorables. Conclusión. La fisura labial con o sin paladar hendido y los defectos del tabique interventricular estuvieron asociados significativamente con un nivel socioeconómico más bajo. La falta de planificación familiar, de control prenatal y la exposición a agentes ambientales o teratógenos pueden explicar estos hallazgos.

Introduction. Different studies have related familiar and regional adverse social conditions to perinatal outcome (neonatal mortality, low birth weight and prematurity); however, few studies have studied the effect of poverty on congenital anomalies. Objective. To assess the hazard ratio of 25 congenital anomalies and adverse social determinants as per the socioeconomic level of families and regions. Population and methods. Exploratory, case-control study using data from the Latin-American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano deMalformaciones Congenitas, ECLAMC). The sample consisted of 3786live newborninfantswitha singlemalformation and 13 344 controls selected among 546 129 births occurred in 39 hospitals from Argentina in the 19922001 period. Both direct and indirect (residence) risks (OR) were estimated, together with the interaction between the individual and residential socioeconomic levels for each of the 25 congenital anomalies. Results.Cleft lip with/without cleft palate (OR= 1.43) and ventricular septal defect (OR= 1.38) showed a significantly higher risk in the lower socioeconomic level. Low socioeconomic levels were significantly associated with a higher frequency of parental sibship (blood relationship); native descent; maternal age younger than 19 years old; more than four pregnancies; a low number of antenatal care visits; and residence in deprived regions. Conclusion. Cleft lip with/without cleft palate and ventricular septal defects were significantly associated with a lower socioeconomic level. Lack of family planning and antenatal care; and exposure to environmental or teratogenic agents may account for these findings.

Determinantes sociales adversos y riesgo para anomalías congénitas seleccionadas / Adverse social determinants and risk for congenital anomalies

Introducción. Diferentes trabajos han relacionando condiciones sociales adversas a nivel familiar y regional con resultados perinatales (mortalidad neonatal, bajo peso y prematuridad), sin embargo, pocos estudiaron el efecto de la pobreza sobre anomalías congénitas. Objetivo. Evaluar el riesgo de ocurrencia de 25 anomalías congénitas y determinantes sociales adversos según el nivel socioeconómico de la familia y de la región. Población y métodos. Estudio caso-control exploratorio, en el que se utilizaron datos del Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congénitas (ECLAMC). La muestra consistió en 3786 recién nacidos vivos con una única malformación y 13 344 controles, seleccionados entre 546 129 nacimientos, ocurridos en 39 hospitales de Argentina durante el período 1992-2001. Se estimaron los riesgos (OR) directos, indirectos (a través de la región de residencia) y la interacción entre el nivel socioeconómico individual y residencial para cada uno de los 25 defectos congénitos. Resultados. Los defectos labio leporino con/sin paladar hendido (OR= 1,43) y comunicación interventricular (OR= 1,38) mostraron un riesgo significativamente mayor en el nivel socioeconómico más bajo. Los niveles socioeconómicos bajos se asociaron de manera significativa con una mayor frecuencia de consanguinidad parental, ancestros nativos, edad materna menor de 19 años, más de 4 embarazos, bajo número de visitas prenatales y residencia en regiones desfavorables. Conclusión. La fisura labial con o sin paladar hendido y los defectos del tabique interventricular estuvieron asociados significativamente con un nivel socioeconómico más bajo. La falta de planificación familiar, de control prenatal y la exposición a agentes ambientales o teratógenos pueden explicar estos hallazgos.(AU)

Introduction. Different studies have related familiar and regional adverse social conditions to perinatal outcome (neonatal mortality, low birth weight and prematurity); however, few studies have studied the effect of poverty on congenital anomalies. Objective. To assess the hazard ratio of 25 congenital anomalies and adverse social determinants as per the socioeconomic level of families and regions. Population and methods. Exploratory, case-control study using data from the Latin-American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano deMalformaciones Congenitas, ECLAMC). The sample consisted of 3786live newborninfantswitha singlemalformation and 13 344 controls selected among 546 129 births occurred in 39 hospitals from Argentina in the 19922001 period. Both direct and indirect (residence) risks (OR) were estimated, together with the interaction between the individual and residential socioeconomic levels for each of the 25 congenital anomalies. Results.Cleft lip with/without cleft palate (OR= 1.43) and ventricular septal defect (OR= 1.38) showed a significantly higher risk in the lower socioeconomic level. Low socioeconomic levels were significantly associated with a higher frequency of parental sibship (blood relationship); native descent; maternal age younger than 19 years old; more than four pregnancies; a low number of antenatal care visits; and residence in deprived regions. Conclusion. Cleft lip with/without cleft palate and ventricular septal defects were significantly associated with a lower socioeconomic level. Lack of family planning and antenatal care; and exposure to environmental or teratogenic agents may account for these findings.(AU)

RENAC: Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas de Argentina / RENAC: National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina

Introducción. El Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC) es un sistema de vigilancia de base hospitalaria de recién nacidos con anomalías congénitas (AC) morfológicas mayores. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar las características y el funcionamiento operativo del RENAC y la prevalencia al nacer de 56 AC específcas seleccionadas, en comparación con otros registros. Población y métodos. La organización del RENAC se inició en los hospitales públicos con 1000 o más nacimientos anuales o que son cabecera de una región sanitaria. La recolección de datos está a cargo de los neonatólogos y una coordinación centraliza la codifcación, los análisis estadísticos y los informes periódicos. Utiliza un foro web para el envío de los datos y para la interacción y orientación en el manejo inicial de los casos. Resultados. Entre el 1 de noviembre de 2009 y el 30 de junio de 2012 se incorporaron 98 hospitales, cuya cobertura anual es del 65% en el sector público y el 35% de los nacimientos del país. En el período se examinaron 294 005 recién nacidos y se detectaron 5165 casos con AC mayores (1,76%; IC 95% 1,71 a 1,80). Las AC más frecuentes fueron las cardiopatías septales (prevalencia por 10 000: 28,6), síndrome de Down (prevalencia por 10 000: 19,2), fsura de labio +/- paladar hendido (prevalencia por 10 000: 12) y el conjunto de los defectos del tubo neural (prevalencia por 10 000: 11,9). Conclusiones. El RENAC ha logrado una alta cobertura en el sector público y las diferencias de prevalencia con otros registros se atribuyen a aspectos operativos o a diferencias reales, según los casos. El RENAC aborda no solo la recolección, análisis y difusión de información sobre AC en la Argentina, sino también contribuye a las intervenciones locales.

Introduction.The National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas, RENAC) is a hospital-based surveillance system for newborn infants with major morphological congenital anomalies (CAs). The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and operation of the RENAC registry and the prevalence at birth of 56 specifc selected CAs, compared to other registries. Population and Methods.The organization of the RENAC registry was initiated in public hospitals with 1000 or more births per year or which are the referral hospitals in a determined health region. Neonatologists are in charge of data collection, and a central coordination department is in charge of encoding, statistical analyses and regular reports. The RENAC registry uses an online forum for data submission and for guidance and interaction regarding the initial management of cases. Results. Between November 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2012, 98 hospitals were included in the registry, the annual coverage of these hospitals is 65% in the public sector and 35% of births in Argentina. In this period, 294 005 newborn infants were examined, and 5165 cases with major CAs were detected (1.76%; 95% CI: 1.71-1.80). The most frequent CAs were septal heart defects (prevalence per 10 000: 28.6), Down's syndrome (prevalence per 10 000: 19.2), cleft lip +/- palate (prevalence per 10 000: 12), and a set of neural tube defects (prevalence per 10 000: 11.9). Conclusions.The RENAC has reached a high coverage in the public sector and the differences in prevalence with other registries can be related to operational aspects or actual differences, depending on the case. The RENAC deals with the collection, analysis and dissemination of information about CAs in Argentina, and also contributes with local interventions.

RENAC: Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas de Argentina / RENAC: National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina

Introducción. El Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC) es un sistema de vigilancia de base hospitalaria de recién nacidos con anomalías congénitas (AC) morfológicas mayores. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar las características y el funcionamiento operativo del RENAC y la prevalencia al nacer de 56 AC específcas seleccionadas, en comparación con otros registros. Población y métodos. La organización del RENAC se inició en los hospitales públicos con 1000 o más nacimientos anuales o que son cabecera de una región sanitaria. La recolección de datos está a cargo de los neonatólogos y una coordinación centraliza la codifcación, los análisis estadísticos y los informes periódicos. Utiliza un foro web para el envío de los datos y para la interacción y orientación en el manejo inicial de los casos. Resultados. Entre el 1 de noviembre de 2009 y el 30 de junio de 2012 se incorporaron 98 hospitales, cuya cobertura anual es del 65% en el sector público y el 35% de los nacimientos del país. En el período se examinaron 294 005 recién nacidos y se detectaron 5165 casos con AC mayores (1,76%; IC 95% 1,71 a 1,80). Las AC más frecuentes fueron las cardiopatías septales (prevalencia por 10 000: 28,6), síndrome de Down (prevalencia por 10 000: 19,2), fsura de labio +/- paladar hendido (prevalencia por 10 000: 12) y el conjunto de los defectos del tubo neural (prevalencia por 10 000: 11,9). Conclusiones. El RENAC ha logrado una alta cobertura en el sector público y las diferencias de prevalencia con otros registros se atribuyen a aspectos operativos o a diferencias reales, según los casos. El RENAC aborda no solo la recolección, análisis y difusión de información sobre AC en la Argentina, sino también contribuye a las intervenciones locales.(AU)

Introduction.The National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas, RENAC) is a hospital-based surveillance system for newborn infants with major morphological congenital anomalies (CAs). The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and operation of the RENAC registry and the prevalence at birth of 56 specifc selected CAs, compared to other registries. Population and Methods.The organization of the RENAC registry was initiated in public hospitals with 1000 or more births per year or which are the referral hospitals in a determined health region. Neonatologists are in charge of data collection, and a central coordination department is in charge of encoding, statistical analyses and regular reports. The RENAC registry uses an online forum for data submission and for guidance and interaction regarding the initial management of cases. Results. Between November 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2012, 98 hospitals were included in the registry, the annual coverage of these hospitals is 65% in the public sector and 35% of births in Argentina. In this period, 294 005 newborn infants were examined, and 5165 cases with major CAs were detected (1.76%; 95% CI: 1.71-1.80). The most frequent CAs were septal heart defects (prevalence per 10 000: 28.6), Downs syndrome (prevalence per 10 000: 19.2), cleft lip +/- palate (prevalence per 10 000: 12), and a set of neural tube defects (prevalence per 10 000: 11.9). Conclusions.The RENAC has reached a high coverage in the public sector and the differences in prevalence with other registries can be related to operational aspects or actual differences, depending on the case. The RENAC deals with the collection, analysis and dissemination of information about CAs in Argentina, and also contributes with local interventions.(AU)

Consumo y exposición al humo de tabaco en mujeres embarazadas de Ecuador / Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke among pregnant women in Ecuador

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la frecuencia de tabaquismo y exposición ambiental al humo de tabaco en mujeres embarazadas de Ecuador y describir los perfiles sociodemográficos asociados con esos factores de riesgo perinatal. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal mediante una encuesta aplicada a mujeres de 18 a 46 años con más de 3 meses de embarazo que asistieron entre octubre de 2004 y septiembre de 2005 a sus consultas de seguimiento en siete servicios de maternidad de seis ciudades de Ecuador. Se analizaron los datos demográficos y de exposición medioambiental (variables independientes) y su relación con el hábito de fumar cigarrillos y la exposición ambiental al humo de tabaco. RESULTADOS: De las 746 mujeres analizadas, 53,3 por ciento había fumado ocasionalmente y 4,3 por ciento había fumado habitualmente; de estas, 75,0 por ciento había dejado de fumar antes o durante el embarazo. De las encuestadas, 12,9 por ciento estuvo expuesta con frecuencia o siempre al humo de tabaco en ambientes cerrados. Tener mayor educación (11 años o más) y un nivel socioeconómico medio o alto, ser caucásica y considerar aceptable que las mujeres de su comunidad fumen se asoció significativa y directamente con el hábito de fumar cigarrillos (P < 0,001). En general, 12,9 por ciento de las mujeres estuvo expuesta al humo de tabaco y esto se asoció significativamente con ser soltera y cohabitar con fumadores o trabajadores vinculados con la industria del tabaco (P < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Se deben diseñar e implementar medidas específicas dirigidas no solo a estimular el abandono de este hábito en las embarazadas, sino también a prevenir que las mujeres en edad reproductiva comiencen a fumar y controlar el entorno fumador en el hogar.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women in Ecuador and to describe the sociodemographic profiles associated with these perinatal risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a survey of women 18-46 years of age who were more than three months pregnant and attended follow-up consultations in seven maternity clinics in six cities in Ecuador between October 2004 and September 2005. Demographics and environmental exposure (independent variables) data and their relationship to cigarette smoking and secondhand-smoke exposure were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 746 women studied, 53.3 percent had smoked occasionally, and 4.3 percent, regularly; of these, 75 percent had quit smoking before or during pregnancy. Of the respondents, 12.9 percent were frequently or always exposed to secondhand smoke indoors. Having more education (11 or more years), being in the middle or upper socioeconomic classes, being Caucasian, and it being considered acceptable for women in the community to smoke were significantly and directly associated with cigarette smoking (P < 0.001). Overall, 12.9 percent of women were being exposed to secondhand smoke and this was significantly associated with being single and cohabiting with smokers or employees connected to the tobacco industry (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Specific measures must be designed and implemented to not only encourage smoking cessation during pregnancy, but also to prevent women of reproductive age from taking up smoking and to limit smoking in the home environment.

RENAC: National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina. / RENAC: National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (Registro Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas, RENAC) is a hospital-based surveillance system for newborn infants with major morphological congenital anomalies (CAs). The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and operation of the RENAC registry and the prevalence at birth of 56 specifc selected CAs, compared to other registries. POPULATION AND METHODS: The organization of the RENAC registry was initiated in public hospitals with 1000 or more births per year or which are the referral hospitals in a determined health region. Neonatologists are in charge of data collection, and a central coordination department is in charge of encoding, statistical analyses and regular reports. The RENAC registry uses an online forum for data submission and for guidance and interaction regarding the initial management of cases. RESULTS: Between November 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2012, 98 hospitals were included in the registry, the annual coverage of these hospitals is 65

in the public sector and 35

of births in Argentina. In this period, 294 005 newborn infants were examined, and 5165 cases with major CAs were detected (1.76

; 95

CI: 1.71-1.80). The most frequent CAs were septal heart defects (prevalence per 10 000: 28.6), Downs syndrome (prevalence per 10 000: 19.2), cleft lip +/- palate (prevalence per 10 000: 12), and a set of neural tube defects (prevalence per 10 000: 11.9). CONCLUSIONS: The RENAC has reached a high coverage in the public sector and the differences in prevalence with other registries can be related to operational aspects or actual differences, depending on the case. The RENAC deals with the collection, analysis and dissemination of information about CAs in Argentina, and also contributes with local interventions.

Adverse social determinants and risk for congenital anomalies. / Adverse social determinants and risk for congenital anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: Different studies have related familiar and regional adverse social conditions to perinatal outcome (neonatal mortality, low birth weight and prematurity); however, few studies have studied the effect of poverty on congenital anomalies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the hazard ratio of 25 congenital anomalies and adverse social determinants as per the socioeconomic level of families and regions. POPULATION AND METHODS: Exploratory, case-control study using data from the Latin-American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congenitas, ECLAMC). The sample consisted of 3786 live newborn infants with a single malformation and 13,344 controls selected among 546,129 births occurred in 39 hospitals from Argentina in the 1992-2001 period. Both direct and indirect (residence) risks (OR) were estimated, together with the interaction between the individual and residential socioeconomic levels for each of the 25 congenital anomalies. RESULTS: Cleft lip with/without cleft palate (OR= 1.43) and ventricular septal defect (OR= 1.38) showed a significantly higher risk in the lower socioeconomic level. Low socioeconomic levels were significantly associated with a higher frequency of parental sibship (blood relationship); native descent; maternal age younger than 19 years old; more than four pregnancies; a low number of antenatal care visits; and residence in deprived regions. CONCLUSION: Cleft lip with/without cleft palate and ventricular septal defects were significantly associated with a lower socioeconomic level. Lack of family planning and antenatal care; and exposure to environmental or teratogenic agents may account for these findings.