This paper reports a retrospective record analysis of the last six years which was
done in Damascus’ Maternity University Hospital, to determine the birth
prevalence of birth defects, describe its pattern, and discuss methodological
problems of su
ch study. Of a total of 87638 births, 1158 cases of birth defects
were found, giving a birth prevalence of 13.2/1000 livebirths and stillbirths (95%
CI: 12.8-13.6). The most frequent defects were the neural tube defects which
accounted for 51.6 % of total defects. A statistically significant linear trend of
increasing NTDs was noticed. This study highlights the necessity of applying
available strategies of preventing the preventable neural tube defects. It also
suggests the establishment of special registry of birth defects to determine
prevalence, trends and their determinants.
