Surveillance of congenital defects (CDs) consists of: case detection, data collection and submission, coding, classification, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of information. Developing surveillance systems allows countries to have their own data to assess the size of the problem, evaluate its impact from different perspectives and assess the effect of interventions.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, approximately 1 in 5 deaths that occur within the first 28 days of life is due to some CD; the burden of morbidity and mortality is high and affects the health, quality of life and human and social capital of our populations.
The ultimate purpose of CD surveillance is their prevention, with the objectives below:
• Monitor the prevalence of CDs in a specific population.
• Detect geographic and temporal aggregates of CD cases.
• Refer those affected to the appropriate health services in a timely manner.
• Inform families about potential therapies for affected individuals
• Communicate results to relevant health organizations and actors.
• Determine the estimated number of cases, to plan the resources that will be required for treatment
• Training health care professionals on CD
• Provide a basis for epidemiological research.
• Evaluate population-based interventions
Although identifying specific causal factors is not feasible in a variable proportion of CDs, in many cases those CDs can be detected and modified through specific interventions. Here are some examples of preventive measures:
- Primary: prevent the occurrence of CDs
- Secondary: early detection and intervention to reduce damage or progression.
- Tertiary: treatment and rehabilitation to prevent progression or worsening of a range of CDs.
There have been major advances in terms of CD surveillance. Immunization, folic acid fortification of food, preconception care, prevention of habits associated with the occurrence of CDs, and antenatal or postnatal surgical interventions are examples of actions that lead to a reduction of the impact of CDs. It is essential that countries have a surveillance system in place.
