Identification of risk factors for congenital malformations Factores de riesgo de ocurrencia y gravedad de malformaciones congénitas

Abstract

© 2014 Sociedad Medica de Santiago. All rights reserved.Background: The relative importance of congenital malformations as a cause of death in the first year of life is increasing along with the control of preventable causes of perinatal mortality. Aim: To identify risk factors for congenital malformations. Patients and Methods: Retrospective case-control study of births registered in the database of The Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC), in the period 2001-2010. Results: Birth weight and gestational age were significantly lower in cases than controls, behaving as risk factors and associated with a greater severity of congenital malformations. The risk and severity of congenital malformations increased along with mother’s age. Fetal growth retardation, a history of congenital malformations in the family, physical factors and acute illnesses of the mother in the first trimester of pregnancy were also significant risk factors for congenital malformat