Birth Defects
Date Updated: 03/20/2012
Chart Directory:
NOTE: A previous version of this data, updated on 9/22/2011, contained incorrect rates due to an error on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's COHID database.
A birth defect is defined as any defect present in a baby at birth, irrespective of whether the defect is caused by a genetic factor (chromosomal anomaly or inherited defect) or by prenatal events that are not genetic (congenital anomaly). See Additional Information for further definitions.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment collects data through a statewide public health program for monitoring and preventing birth defects and developmental disabilities. The dataset contains information on over 60 birth defects in Colorado. The data displayed here are expressed as rates per 10,000 live births over a five year period.
What this chart shows: Broad Categories of Birth Defects - Larimer County, 2005-2009 (5-Year Totals)
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Birth Defects Statistics
What the above data tell us:
The most prevalent birth defects among Larimer County infants included heart defects (527), genital/urinary defects (351), and muscular/skeletal defects (238). Nationally, about 3% of births involve babies with a birth defect. (Centers for Disease Control).What this chart shows: Specific Birth Defects - Colorado and Larimer County, 2005-2009 (5-Year Totals)
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Birth Defects Statistics
What the above data tell us:
Down syndrome was the most frequent type of birth defect diagnosed in Larimer County between 2005 and 2009 and the rate per 10,000 live births was higher in the County (14.9) than the State (13.5). Of the nine birth defects shown above, Larimer County had a higher rate per 10,000 live births for all but infantile cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and leg/foot reductions. See the data table for the number of infants born with each defect.What this chart shows: Infants Born with Chromosomal Defects - Larimer County and Colorado, 2005-2009 (5-Year Totals)
Data Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Birth Defects Statistics
What the above data tell us:
The five-year rates above show that Larimer County rates for chromosomal anomalies are higher than the overall rates for Colorado. One reason may be the percentage of women in Larimer County having children over age 30 is slightly higher than Colorado, a factor that increases the chance of having anomalies. From 2005 to 2009, 31 female infants (36.6 per 10,000) and 26 males (28.9 per 10,000) were born with chromosomal defects in Larimer County.Additional Information:
Birth defects may involve many different organs including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, bones, and intestinal tract. These defects can occur for varied reasons including inherited (genetic) conditions, toxic exposure of the fetus (i.e., alcohol), birth injury, and in many cases the reasons are unknown. All parents are at risk of having a baby with a birth defect, regardless of age, race, income, or residence.
Birth defects are now the leading cause of infant mortality (death) in the United States. Infants born with birth defects have increased risks of long-term illnesses and disabilities. Although the cause of most birth defects is unknown, it has been shown that folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent some birth defects.
Related Information on COMPASS -
- Adult Alcohol Use
- Adult Tobacco Use
- Enrollment - Special Education
- Infant Mortality
- Low Birthweight Babies
- Perinatal Alcohol and Tobacco Use
- Prenatal Care
- Teen Fertility Rates
Other Resources -
- Specific details regarding Birth Defects - Colorado Health Information Dataset.
- Detailed information about chromosomal genetic disorders can be found at websites for: the Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders (S.O.F.T.) and the National Association for Down Syndrome.
- Centers for Disease Control:
Standards or Targets:
- 16-15: Reduce the occurrence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs) to 3 per 10,000 live births.
Data Tables:
Broad Categories of Birth Defects among Larimer County Infants
(Rate per 10,000 Live Births), 2005 to 2009 (5-Year Totals)
|
Defect Category |
Number |
Rate |
|
Cardiovascular Anomalies |
527 | 302.0 |
|
Genitourinary Anomalies |
351 | 201.1 |
|
Musculoskeletal Anomalies |
238 | 136.4 |
|
Gastrointestinal Anomalies |
89 | 51.0 |
|
Central Nervous System Anomalies |
60 | 34.4 |
|
Respiratory Anomalies |
56 | 32.1 |
|
Orofacial Anomalies |
43 | 24.6 |
|
Eye Anomalies |
23 | 13.2 |
Specific Types of Birth Defects and Disabilities - Larimer County, 2005 to 2009 (5-Year Totals)
|
Birth Defect Type |
Colorado |
Larimer County |
||
|
N |
Rate |
N |
Rate |
|
|
Down Syndrome |
473 | 13.5 | 26 | 14.9 |
|
Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate |
384 | 11.0 | 25 | 14.3 |
|
Cleft Palate without Cleft Lip |
272 | 7.8 | 20 | 11.5 |
|
Microcephalus |
280 | 8.0 | 17 | 9.7 |
|
Total Anencephalus and Spina Bifida |
132 | 3.8 | 7 | 4.0 |
|
Infantile Cerebral Palsy |
127 | 3.6 | 6 | 3.4 |
|
Arm/Hand Limb Reduction |
80 | 2.3 | 5 | 2.9 |
|
Spina Bifida without Anencephalus |
106 | 3.0 | 3 | 1.7 |
|
Leg/Foot Limb Reduction |
41 | 1.2 | 1 | 0.6 |
Infants Born with Chromosomal Defects - Colorado and Larimer County, 2005 to 2009 (5-Year Totals)
|
Colorado |
Larimer County |
|||||
|
Births with Defects |
Total Live Births |
Rate |
Births with Defects |
Total Live Births |
Rate |
|
|
All |
1,001 | 349,096 | 28.7 | 57 | 17,452 | 32.7 |
|
Female |
471 | 169,943 | 27.7 | 31 | 8,470 | 36.6 |
|
Male |
529 |
179,149 | 29.5 | 26 | 8,982 | 28.9 |