Analysis on risk factors associated with birth defects in newborns in the area of the Matanza-Riachuelo river basin.

Abstract

Introduction: Matanza-Riachuelo basin is one of the most polluted sites in Argentina, with 4,885,000 inhabitants. This study evaluated risk factors associated with congenital anomalies (CA) and low birth weight. Methods: case-control study in three hospitals belonging to the National Network of Congenital Anomalies (RENAC) for one year. We evaluated the association of socioeconomic level, reproductive factors, and distance between place of residence to industrial pollution places and from watercourses of the river, with low birth weight and CA. Results: The prevalence of congenital anomalies in newborn was 1.93% (95% CI:1.64 - 2.25). There were associated risk factors such as acute maternal diseases and consumption of drugs. Cases had weight and gestational age significantly lower and higher maternal age than the controls. We did not find association between low birth weight and prevalence of congenital anomalies with distance from the housing of pregnant women to sources of contamination. Conclusions: This study is the first research in Argentina with geo-referenced data and newborn with CA. It has shown the feasibility of carrying out this type of research to evaluate risk factors in the RENAC. Future research to assess specific type of CA should be conducted to corroborate the results of this study

Keywords

• anomalías congénitas
• contaminantes del aire
• factores de riesgo
• Argentina