DHSC Statsheet Delaware Health Statictics Center Division of Public Health Department of Health and Social Services Birth defects were the second leading cause of infant death in 2001-2005. Birth defects (congenital anomalies) are conditions that: 1) result from a malformation, deformation, or disruption in one or more parts fo the body; 2) are present at birth; and 3) have a serious adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability1. * Cardiovascular birth defects, such as patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defects, and ventricular septal defects, accounted for almost half of all birth defects. * Genitourinary congenital anomalies were the second most common birth defect, and include hypospadias, epispadias, and obstructive genitourinary defects. According to national estimates, approximately 3 percent of infants are born with a birth defect2. Though the majority of birth defects do not have an identified cause, nutrient deficiencies, infections during pregnancy, illegal drug use, smoking, alcohol use, genetic disorders, and environmental factors can increase the chance of having a baby with a birth defect. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospital Stays, Hospital Charges, and In-Hospital Deaths Among Infants with Selected Birth Defects – United States, 2003. MMWR 2007;56:25-26. Canfield MA, Honein MA, Yuskiv N, Xing J, Mai CT, Collins JS, Devine O, Petrini J, Ramadhani TA, Hobbs CA, Kirby RS. National estimates and race/ethnic-specific variation of selected birth defects in the United States, 1999-2001. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2006 Nov;76(11):747-56. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website. Birth Defects Frequently Asked Questions. http://0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncbddd/bd/faq2.htm Accessed 7/19/07. Printed copies of tables, graphs, and charts can by obtained by contacting: Delaware Health Statistics Center Delaware Division of Public Health 417 Federal Street Dover, Delaware 19901 (302) 744-4541 Doc. #35-05-20/01/11/05