Results of the Turkish congenital malformation survey.

In order to acquire data about the incidence of congenital malformations in the Turkish population, we recorded all livebirths and stillbirths at 22 university hospitals between July 1993-July 1994. Congenital malformation incidence was 3.65 percent. Incidence of individual malformations were compatible with that reported from other populations, with the exception of neural tube defects and cleft palate which were found to be significantly frequent. Abnormal ultrasonographic findings and disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy were found to be valuable indicators for the presence of congenital malformations in the fetus. Incidence of congenital malformations was lower in the western Anatolian region. Variables such as maternal age, education and employment were found to be risk factors for congenital malformations.