The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network have published a new study [link study to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20878909] updating the national prevalence estimates for selected birth defects in the United States from 2004–2006. The data shows that more than 2,000 babies are born in the United States each year with differences in their arms or legs, or both.
The 2004–2006 data showed the following regarding limb difference:
- Estimated cases per birth: Each year there was an estimated one in 2,869 births involving a reduction or difference of upper limbs, and one in 5,949 births involving a reduction or difference of lower limbs.
- Estimated annual incidence: Each year there were an estimated 1,454 live births involving a reduction or difference of upper limbs, and 701 live births involving a reduction or difference of lower limbs.
- Estimated national prevalence per 10,000 live births: There was a reduction or difference of upper limbs in 3.49 per 10,000 live births, and 1.68 per 10,000 live births for lower limbs.
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) issued a statement about the study, stressing its commitment to limb-loss prevention and its outreach efforts to the 2 million Americans living with limb loss or limb difference today.
“Children born today with limb difference can completely thrive,” said Kendra Calhoun, president & CEO of the ACA. “Advancements in prosthetic devices and more open minds in communities across the country open doors for these youth in ways that a decade ago may not have been available.”
