title: CDC Grand Rounds: Understanding the Causes of Major Birth Defects - Steps to Prevention.
abstract: Major birth defects (birth defects) are defined as structural abnormalities, present at birth, with surgical, medical, or cosmetic importance. Each year in the United States, 3% of live births (approximately 120,000 infants) have an identifiable structural birth defect. Examples of birth defects include neural tube defects, such as spina bifida; orofacial clefts; abdominal wall defects, such as gastroschisis; and congenital heart defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Collectively, congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects (27%), followed by musculoskeletal defects (18%), genitourinary defects (15%), orofacial defects (5%), and neural tube defects (2%).
authors.forename: Regina M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Simeone
authors.forename: Marcia L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Feldkamp
authors.forename: Jennita
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reefhuis
authors.forename: Allen A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Suzanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gilboa
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Honein
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iskander
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology