Risks of selected congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race-ethnicity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the occurrence of specific congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race-ethnicity.

METHODS:

Using data from a population-based registry, we explored the occurrence of selected malformation phenotypes in offspring to parents who were of different race-ethnicity. Data were derived from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, a population-based active surveillance system for collecting information on infants and fetuses with congenital malformations using multiple source ascertainment. Approximately 2.6 million live births and stillbirths occurred during 1989-2000. Information on parental race-ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, black, and Asian) was obtained from birth certificates and fetal death files. Malformation phenotypes studied were spina bifida, anencephaly, cleft lip, cleft palate, tetralogy of Fallot, d-transposition of great arteries, hypospadias, small intestinal atresia, preaxial polydactyly, microtia, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

RESULTS:

A total of 11.2% of births were to parents of mixed race-ethnicity. Compared to births of parents who were both white, moderately increased risks (risk ratio >/= 1.7) of anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, and decreased risks (risk ratio </= 0.6) of hypospadias and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were observed among births of several mixed race-ethnicity groups. For anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, but not other phenotypes, the risks were different depending on whether maternal versus paternal race-ethnicity was considered. Risks observed between births of a nonwhite parent and a white parent and births of parents who were both nonwhite were similar for most malformation phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Some malformation phenotypes appear to vary in their risk based on mixed racial-ethnic groupings.

• Authors: Juan Yang, Suzan L Carmichael, Zhanna Kaidarova, Gary M Shaw
• Journal: Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology (Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol) Vol. 70 Issue 10 Pg. 820-4 (Oct 2004) ISSN: 1542-0752 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15390318 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
• Copyright: (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Topics

• California (epidemiology)
• Congenital Abnormalities (epidemiology, ethnology)
• Ethnicity
• Humans
• Phenotype
• Racial Groups
• Registries
• Risk Factors