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.”
