Descriptive epidemiology of cystic hygroma: Hawaii, 1986 to 1999.

OBJECTIVES

Cystic hygroma is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and a low chance of survival. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cystic hygroma and various clinical and demographic factors.

METHODS

Cystic hygroma cases delivered in Hawaii from 1986 to 1999 were obtained from a population-based birth defects registry. The rate per 10,000 births was determined for various demographic and clinical factors.

RESULTS

The total cystic hygroma rate was 5.13 per 10,000 births. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified for 39% of the cases. There were no secular trends in cystic hygroma rates. Rates increased with increasing maternal age (P = 0.031). Rates were highest among Far East Asians, followed by Filipinos and whites, and lowest for Pacific Islanders. Cystic hygroma rates were higher in metropolitan Honolulu than in the rest of Hawaii. Rates were higher for females than for males. Cystic hygroma rates did not vary significantly by plurality.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystic hygroma rates were not found to be associated with delivery year or plurality, but were associated with maternal age, race and ethnicity, residence at delivery, and sex.