Epidemiological insights into neural tube and orofacial malformations in Chile using data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (RENACH).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Congenital anomalies affect approximately 6% of global births annually and contribute significantly to infant mortality and long-term disability. Low folate status has been linked to malformations such as neural tube defects (NTDs) and orofacial clefts (OFCs). This work aimed to estimate the national prevalence of these two groups of malformations in Chile, a country subjected to mandatory folic acid fortification of flour. We also analyzed the sex dimorphism of the NTD and OFC and described the main associated comorbidities.

Methods

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we used data from the Chilean National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (2016-2017) to analyze NTD and OFC prevalence and sex bias.

Results

The study included 3,376 records, revealing

SUBMITTER: Busso D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553212 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature