Spatial analysis of gastroschisis in Massachusetts and Texas.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Previous research has suggested gastroschisis, a congenital malformation, may be linked to environmental or infectious factors and cases can occur in clusters. The objective of this study was to identify geographic areas of elevated gastroschisis risk.

Methods

Cases of gastroschisis were identified from birth defect registries in Massachusetts and Texas. Random samples of live births were selected as controls. Generalized additive models were used to create a continuous map surface of odds ratios (ORs) by smoothing over latitude and longitude. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, cigarette smoking, and insurance status (MA only) were assessed for confounding. We used permutation tests to identify statistically significant areas of increased risk.

Results

A

SUBMITTER: Yazdy MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4255145 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature