[Incidence of congenital malformations among newborn infants in Poland in 1972. Preliminary report].

An analysis of frequency of congenital malformation observed among the neonates in 1972 in Poland has been performed on the basis of individual statistical cards filled in by medical personnel for each hospital delivery. Among 486.404 live- and stillborns, 7647 neonates with congenital malformations have been noted, which corresponds to the index of 15,72 per 1000 total births. The most frequently observed malformations were: congenital anomalies of limbs (755)-4,63/1000 total births, mostly congenital dislocation of hip; congenital malformations of the nervous system--2,11 degrees/00; of heart and circulatory system--1,89 degrees/00. Relatively low index of anencephaly has been noted--0,61/1000 total births. Among newborns of mothers from rural areas anencephaly and congenital hydrocephalus were more frequently noted. In urban areas congenital anomalies of limbs and congenital anomalies of skin, hair and nails were diagnosed more frequently. Frequency of congenital malformations among neonates of very young (less than 20 or less than or equal to 19 y.) and older (greater than equal to 35 y.) mothers was higher than in the intermediate age groups. Influence of mother's age on the frequency of particular malformations was analysed. Among neonates with congenital malformations born alive percentage of sexes was similar to the general population of live borns, whereas among stillbirths and prematures unable to live with congenital malformations--females were more frequent.