Trends in Birth Outcomes in Illinois from 1984 to 2004

Background: Conditions such as birth defects, neural tube defects and downs syndrome have long been a problematic issue in society. These ailments plague many newborns and seriously debilitate their lifestyle. Many risk factors are associated with each condition. Some risk factors are controllable while others are not. This study examined gender of the baby, race, mother's maternal age, gestational age, and delivery year from 1989 to 2004 from public birth outcomes data in Illinois.

Methods: Secondary analysis was performed on publicly available data of 65,535 births from 1989 to 2004 from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Correlates of birth defects, Down Syndrome, and neural tube defects were examined, along with trend analysis over time.

Results: Of the 65,535 births, mothers were primarily Caucasian (46.2%), less than 35 (83%), delivered full-term (50%), and delivered female infants (46%). Birth defects were more common among male infants, Caucasians, and younger mothers. Down Syndrome (n=1,146 ) was common among Caucasian or Hispanic, older mothers (35+ years), and full-term births. Neural tube defect (n=618) was more common among Hispanic moms, full-term and female infants. Trend analysis showed steady increase of all outcomes, with Caucasian and Hispanic populations at greatest risk; African-American outcomes decreased by 8% over this same period (all findings p<0.01).

Conclusions: Although these correlations have been widely reported in the literature, trend analysis shows an increase in cases not wholly correlated with increased age of mothers. Further analysis is necessary among more recent data and greater number of relevant risk factors.