scholarly journals A Comprehensive Assessment of the Associations Between Season of Conception and Birth Defects, Texas, 1999–2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7120
Author(s):  
Elisa Benavides ◽  
Philip J. Lupo ◽  
Peter H. Langlois ◽  
Jeremy M. Schraw
Keyword(s):  
Birth Defects ◽  
Birth Defect ◽  
Hirschsprung Disease ◽  
State Health ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Vital Records ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Birth defects prevalence may vary seasonally, but previous studies have focused on a few commonly occurring phenotypes. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) in order to evaluate the associations between season of conception and a broad range of birth defects. Date of conception was estimated for all livebirths and birth defect cases in Texas from 1999–2015 using data from vital records, provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services Center for Health Statistics. Birth defects diagnoses were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, a statewide, active surveillance system. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for phenotypes with ≥50 cases according to conception in spring (March-May), summer (June–August) or fall (September–November) relative to winter (December–February), using Poisson regression. Season of conception was associated with 5% of birth defects studied in models adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, and number of previous livebirths. Specifically, summer conception was associated with any monitored birth defect (PR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and five specific phenotypes, most notably Hirschsprung disease (PR 1.46, 95% CI 1.22–1.75). These findings suggest that seasonally variable exposures influence the development of several birth defects and may assist in identifying novel environmental risk factors.

Birth Defect Co-Occurrence Patterns Among Infants With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110100
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Navarro Sanchez ◽  
Renata H. Benjamin ◽  
Laura E. Mitchell ◽  
Peter H. Langlois ◽  
Mark A. Canfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Birth Defect ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Orofacial Clefts ◽  
Developmental Mechanisms ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Occurrence Patterns ◽  
Population Based Registry

Objective: To investigate 2- to 5-way patterns of defects co-occurring with orofacial clefts using data from a population-based registry. Design: We used data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry for deliveries between 1999 and 2014 to Texas residents, including 1884 cases with cleft palate (CP) and 5289 cases with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) without a known syndrome. We identified patterns of defects co-occurring with CP and with CL±P observed more frequently than would be expected if these defects occurred independently. We calculated adjusted observed-to-expected ( O/ E) ratios to account for the known tendency of birth defects to cluster nonspecifically. Results: Among infants without a syndrome, 23% with CP and 21% with CL±P had at least 1 additional congenital anomaly. Several combinations of defects were observed much more often than expected. For example, the combination of CL±P, congenital hydrocephaly, anophthalmia, and other nose anomalies had an O/ E ratio of 605. For both CP and CL±P, co-occurrence patterns with the highest O/ E ratios involved craniofacial and brain abnormalities, and many included the skeletal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Conclusions: The patterns of defects we observed co-occurring with clefts more often than expected may help improve our understanding of the relationships between multiple defects. Further work to better understand some of the top defect combinations could reveal new phenotypic subgroups and increase our knowledge of the developmental mechanisms that underlie the respective defects.

Epidemiology Surveillance and Capacity Improvement: A Characterization of Texas, 2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kahler W. Stone ◽  
Marilyn Felkner ◽  
Eric Garza ◽  
Maria Perez-Patron ◽  
Cason Schmit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Local Health ◽  
State Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
State Health Department ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Funding Programs

Abstract Objectives: In response to increasing caseloads of foodborne illnesses and high consequence infectious disease investigations, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requested funding from the Texas Legislature in 2013 and 2015 for a new state-funded epidemiologist (SFE) program. Methods: Primary cross-sectional survey data were collected from 32 of 40 local health departments (LHDs) via an online instrument and analyzed to quantify roles, responsibilities, and training of epidemiologists in Texas in 2017 and compared to similar state health department assessments. Results: Sixty-six percent of SFEs had epidemiology-specific training (eg, master’s in public health) compared to 45% in state health department estimates. For LHDs included in this study, the mean number of epidemiologists per 100 000 was 0.73 in medium LHDs and 0.46 in large LHDs. SFE positions make up approximately 40% of the LHD epidemiology workforce of all sizes and 56% of medium-sized LHD epidemiology staff in Texas specifically. Conclusions: Through this program, DSHS increased epidemiology capacity almost twofold from 0.28 to 0.47 epidemiologists per 100 000 people. These findings suggest that capacity funding programs like this improve epidemiology capacity in local jurisdictions and should be considered in other regions to improve general public health preparedness and epidemiology capacity.

scholarly journals Mathematical Modeling and Covid-19 Forecast in Texas, USA: a prediction model analysis and the probability of disease outbreak

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Md Nazmul Hassan ◽  
Md. Shahriar Mahmud ◽  
Kaniz Fatema Nipa ◽  
Md. Kamrujjaman
Keyword(s):  
Basic Reproduction Number ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Continuous Time Markov Chain ◽  
State Health ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Future Prediction

Abstract Background Response to the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak needs to be augmented in Texas, USA, where the first 5 cases were reported on March 6, 2020, were rapidly followed by an exponential rise within the next few weeks. This study aimed to determine the ongoing trend and upcoming infection status of COVID-19 in county levels of Texas. Methods Data were extracted from the following sources: published literature, surveillance, unpublished reports, and websites of Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Natality report of Texas and WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. Four-compartment Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removal (SEIR) mathematical model was used to estimate the current trend and future prediction of basic reproduction number and infection case in Texas. Since the basic reproduction number is not sufficient to predict the outbreak, we applied the Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC) model to calculate the probability of the COVID-19 outbreak. Results The estimated mean basic reproduction number of COVID-19 in Texas is predicted 2.65 by January 31, 2021. Our model indicated that the third wave might occur at the beginning of May of 2021, which will peak at the end of June 2021. This prediction may come true if the current spreading situation/level persists, i.e., no clinically effective vaccine is available,or this vaccination program fails for some reason in this area. Conclusion Our analysis indicates an alarming ongoing and upcoming infection rate of COVID-19 at county levels of Texas, thereby emphasizing promoting more coordinated and disciplined actions by both policymakers and the population to contain its devastating impact.

scholarly journals Associations Between Medical History, Cognition, and Behavior in Youth With Down Syndrome: A Report From the Down Syndrome Cognition Project

2018 ◽  
Vol 123 (6) ◽  
pp. 514-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracie C. Rosser ◽  
Jamie O. Edgin ◽  
George T. Capone ◽  
Debra R. Hamilton ◽  
Emily G. Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Birth Defect ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
High Degree

Abstract The cause of the high degree of variability in cognition and behavior among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is unknown. We hypothesized that birth defects requiring surgery in the first years of life (congenital heart defects and gastrointestinal defects) might affect an individual's level of function. We used data from the first 234 individuals, age 6-25 years, enrolled in the Down Syndrome Cognition Project (DSCP) to test this hypothesis. Data were drawn from medical records, parent interviews, and a cognitive and behavior assessment battery. Results did not support our hypothesis. That is, we found no evidence that either birth defect was associated with poorer outcomes, adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Implications for study design and measurement are discussed.

scholarly journals Texas Department of State Health Services' Technical Guidance: Mosquito Abatement Post–Weather Incident

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2s) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Whitney A. Qualls
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
The State ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
State Health ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Texas Department

ABSTRACT The Texas Department of State Health Services provides assistance to local health departments following severe weather events and other public health emergencies. Following the reports of large mosquito populations hindering recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey, the Texas State Medical Operations Center created the Vector Control Task Force (VCTF) to organize the mosquito response requested through the State of Texas Assistance Requests. Since Hurricane Harvey, there have been other severe weather events that have activated the VCTF. The purpose of this developed document is to provide guidance to local jurisdictions requesting mosquito abatement assistance from the state level in response to a proliferation of nuisance mosquitoes that hinders governmental response and recovery efforts after a severe weather incident. The document also establishes criteria that the VCTF will evaluate to determine if and how resources should be allocated to programs requesting assistance for mosquito abatement. The guidance document provides background information on mosquito surveillance and control and identifies tasks, roles, and responsibilities for local jurisdictions, state, and federal partners.

scholarly journals The risk of major structural birth defects associated with seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy: a population-based cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohinder Sarna ◽  
Gavin Pereira ◽  
Damien Foo ◽  
Annette Regan
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Birth Defect ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Month Of Birth ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Singleton Birth ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Objective: Seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) is recommended during pregnancy to protect both mothers and infants from severe infection. Most studies have evaluated the risk of major structural birth defects in infants associated with prenatal administration of pandemic IIV. Our aim was to estimate the risk in infants associated with prenatal administration of seasonal IIV. Design: Retrospective population-based observational study Setting: Western Australia Population or sample: All pregnant women with a singleton birth from 2012-2016 Methods: 125,866 singleton births were linked to the state’s registers for congenital anomalies and a state prenatal vaccination database. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of any major structural birth defect and defects by organ system. Inverse probability treatment weighting factored for baseline probability for vaccination. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple comparisons. Main outcome measures: Prevalence ratios by vaccination and major structural birth defects categories or specific birth defects diagnosed within one month of birth or within six years of life. Results: 3.9% of births had a major structural birth defect. IIV exposure during the first trimester was not associated with diagnosis of any major structural birth defect diagnosed within one month of birth (PR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.77, 1.28) or within six years of life (PR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.35). We identified no increased risk in specific birth defects associated with IIV. Conclusions: Results suggest there is no association between maternal influenza vaccination and risk of major structural birth defects. These results support the safety of IIV administration during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Periconceptional folic acid intake in Northwest Russia: a birth registry study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V A Postoev ◽  
L I Menshikova ◽  
A A Usynina ◽  
A M Grjibovski ◽  
J O Odland
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Birth Defect ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Prenatal Counseling ◽  
Folic Acid Intake ◽  
Birth Registry ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Introduction Periconceptional use of folic acid supplementation is an evidence-based measure of birth defects prevention. The study was aimed to assess effect of periconceptual use of folic acid on birth defect prevalence in Arkhangelsk county and to investigate socio-demographic factors, which are associated with adherence to this preventive measure. Methods A registry-based study was conducted with data from the Arkhangelsk County Birth Registry for 2012-2015. The study population included 57084 pregnancies to calculate the proportion of women taking folic acid and 53340 pregnancy outcomes without missing data to analyze related socio-demographic characteristics. Results The proportion of women followed a folic acid supplementation before pregnancy was 1.3% (95% CI: 1.2-1.4), during pregnancy - 55.8% (95%CI: 54.6-56.4). Such women had less risk to deliver a newborn with any birth defects (OR = 0,84, 95%CI: 0,75 - 0,95). Considering birth defects prevalence of 38,6 per 1000 newborns in Arkhangelsk county, number needed to prevent one case of birth defect was 142,9. Based on multivariate analysis, nulliparous married women with higher education, aged 30 or more, had a higher chance to use folic acid before and during pregnancy. The history of spontaneous abortion in the mother's medical history and the first pregnancy were negatively associated with the probability of folic acid intake both before and during pregnancy. Conclusions The compliance to periconceptional intake of folic acid among women in the region was low. A level of compliance was associated with such socio-demographic factors as age, education, marital status, gravidity and parity. The findings have direct applications in improving prenatal care in Arkhangelsk county and establishing targets for prenatal counseling. Key messages A level of compliance to primary prevention of birth defects is associated with such socio-demographic factors as age, education, marital status, gravidity and parity. Prenatal counseling in terms of birth defects prevention should be based on socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant women.

scholarly journals Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Years of Potential Life Lost Attributable to COVID-19 in the United States: An Analysis of 45 States and the District of Columbia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2921
Author(s):  
Jay J. Xu ◽  
Jarvis T. Chen ◽  
Thomas R. Belin ◽  
Ronald S. Brookmeyer ◽  
Marc A. Suchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Attributable Mortality ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Rate Ratios ◽  
Degree Of Association ◽  
Racial Ethnic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in the United States has disproportionately impacted communities of color across the country. Focusing on COVID-19-attributable mortality, we expand upon a national comparative analysis of years of potential life lost (YPLL) attributable to COVID-19 by race/ethnicity (Bassett et al., 2020), estimating percentages of total YPLL for non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians, and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Natives, contrasting them with their respective percent population shares, as well as age-adjusted YPLL rate ratios—anchoring comparisons to non-Hispanic Whites—in each of 45 states and the District of Columbia using data from the National Center for Health Statistics as of 30 December 2020. Using a novel Monte Carlo simulation procedure to perform estimation, our results reveal substantial racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19-attributable YPLL across states, with a prevailing pattern of non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics experiencing disproportionately high and non-Hispanic Whites experiencing disproportionately low COVID-19-attributable YPLL. Furthermore, estimated disparities are generally more pronounced when measuring mortality in terms of YPLL compared to death counts, reflecting the greater intensity of the disparities at younger ages. We also find substantial state-to-state variability in the magnitudes of the estimated racial/ethnic disparities, suggesting that they are driven in large part by social determinants of health whose degree of association with race/ethnicity varies by state.

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