Introduction

Congenital anomalies are an abnormality of structure, function or body metabolism that is present at birth (even if not diagnosed until later in life) and results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal. (March of Dimes Resource Center. Birth Defects. (1998) - http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1206.asp - Web site accessed December 12, 2007).

Identifying Congenital Anomalies

Over time, several methods for identifying congenital anomalies have been used in MCHP research.

1. Brownell et al., 2007

In the BabyFirst Project (2007) report, the following ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify congenital Anomalies (Note: these were identified using Repository data up to 90 days after the birth of the child):



ICD-9-CM Code	ICD Description
277	Other and unspecified disorders of metabolism
740	Anencephalus and similar anomalies
741	Spina bifida
742	Other congenital anomalies of nervous system
743	Congenital anomalies of eye
744	Congenital anomalies of ear, face, and neck
745	Bulbus cordis anomalies and anomalies of cardiac septal closure
746	Other congenital anomalies of heart
747	Other congenital anomalies of circulatory system
748	Congenital anomalies of respiratory system
749	Cleft palate and cleft lip
750	Other congenital anomalies of upper alimentary tract
751	Other congenital anomalies of digestive system
752	Congenital anomalies of genital organs
753	Congenital anomalies of urinary system
754	Certain congenital musculoskeletal deformities
755	Other congenital anomalies of limbs
756	Other congenital musculoskeletal anomalies
757	Congenital anomalies of the integument
758	Chromosomal anomalies
759	Other and unspecified congenital anomalies

Source: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2007

2. Brownell et al., 2008

Chapter 3.8 Congenital Anomalies in the Manitoba Child Health Atlas Update (2008) report provides information that:


• describes the conditions referred to as congenital anomalies in the report;
  
  
• identifies the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 codes and sources used to identify congenital anomalies in the report. This list was identified based on reports from the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2007) and the Canadian Congenital Anomalies in Surveillance Network (Health Canada, 2002) and then reviewed by the project Working Group. The list includes:
  
  
  • Down Syndrome,
    
  • neural tube defects (and specifically spina bifida),
    
  • anencephaly and similar anomalies,
    
  • hydrocephaly,
    
  • cleft palate and/or cleft lip,
    
  • 19 limb reductions,
    
  • congenital heart defects (and specifically hypoplastic left heart syndrome),
    
  • esophageal atresia/stenosis,
    
  • anorectal and large intestine atresia/stenosis,
    
  • hypospadias and epispadias,
    
  • gastroschisis, and
    
  • renal agenesis/hypoplasia.
    
    Please see the Congenital Anomalies ICD Codes.pdf for a list of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CA diagnoses codes used to identify congenital anomalies in the Child Health Atlas Update (2008) report.
  
  
• presents the crude rates for congenital anomalies generated from the analysis and the adjusted rates for four conditions by combined geographical RHA Areas (South, Mid and North) in Manitoba, Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba.

3. Brownell et al., 2010

In the Evaluation of the Manitoba Healthy Baby Program (2010) report, only congenital anomalies identified at the birth hospitalization and recorded in the hospital birth record or identified in hospital or physician visit records up to the first birthday were included in this analysis.

The following links to a list of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CA diagnoses codes used to identify congenital anomalies in Appendix Table 1.1 of the Evaluation of the Manitoba Healthy Baby Program (2010) report.