An outcome-coded birth file from machine readable vital records.

We developed a computer program which generates an outcome-coded birth file from a standard birth file and a matched birth-infant death file. This program uses only anonymous computerized vital records of the kind available to researchers in most states. Despite a large population (Illinois 1977 births totaled 178,728) all death records were uniquely matched with birth records, allowing creation of the desired file. Such a file permits the researcher to use a variety of standard software packages without the problems of data re-entry or the use of multiple input files. Creating this outcome-coded file is relatively inexpensive, can be done without enlisting special assistance from state vital records personnel, does not require access to restricted files, and greatly streamlines use of perinatal vital records for research applications, especially multivariable modeling.