A Comparison of Neural Tube Defects Identified by Two Independent Routine Recording Systems for Congenital Malformations in Northern Ireland

Abstract

The efficiency of 2 systems for recording congenital malformations was compared. The Registrar General''s Congenital Malformation Notification is based on registering all malformed infants. The Child Health System records all births. In Northern Ireland [UK] for 3 yr (1974-1976), using multiple sources of ascertainment, 686 infants with neural tube defects was identified among 79,783 live and stillbirths. The incidence for all neural tube defects is 860/1000 births. The Registrar General''s Congenital Malformation Notification System identified 83.6% whereas the Child Health System identified only 63.3% of all neural tube defects. Both systems together identified 86.2% of all neural tube defects. The 2 systems are suitable for monitoring of malformations and the addition of information from the Genetic Counseling Clinics would enhance the data for epidemiological studies.