Evaluation of the Sensitivity and Accuracy of Birth Defects Indicators on the 2003 Revision of the U.S. Birth Certificate: Has Data Quality Improved?

• DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12326
• Publication Date: 2016-11-18T05:17:36Z
• Authors: Jason L. Salemi; Jean Paul Tanner; Diana P. Sampat; Rachel E. Rutkowski; Suzanne B. Anjohrin; Jennifer Marshall; Russell S. Kirby
• Keywords: Birth certificate; Anencephaly; Gastroschisis

Abstract Background The 2003 revision of the U.S. Birth Certificate was restricted to birth defects readily identifiable at birth. Despite being lone source cases in some studies, we lack population‐based information on quality data from most recent certificate. Methods We linked certificate confirmed Florida Defects Registry ( FBDR ) assess sensitivity and positive predictive value PPV indicators Descriptive statistics log‐binomial regression were used examine variation measures by defect type other characteristics. also evaluated contribution certificates as a case ascertainment for . Results Sensitivity poor (19.1%) with across ranging 55% anencephaly 54% gastroschisis, <10% defects. better (87.1%) ranged >93% orofacial clefts gastroschisis <55% limb reduction observed maternal, infant, hospital Of identified not any source, 54.9% false‐positive diagnoses. Conclusions Efforts restrict have improved likelihood that will identify infants born those do recommend use without verification strategies.