[Incidence of congenital malformations in Chile from 1969 to 1986. Results of a Latin-American collaborative study].

At present, congenital malformations contribute more to infant mortality, given the significant decrease in overall infant mortality rate observed in Chile. A significant and steady increase in the prevalence of congenital malformations was demonstrated at the Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, from 1969 to 1986. Better epidemiologic surveillance is needed to accurately estimate the magnitude of this problem and give orientation for preventive measures.