Screening and Diagnostics of Fetal and Neonatal Malformations

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Neonatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2026 | Viewed by 1353

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Interests: perinatology; prenatal diagnostics; obstetric genetics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The diagnosis of fetal developmental disorders differs from diagnosis in the neonatal period. We have less information about the fetal phenotype in utero, based on ultrasound, possibly MRI, and various screenings, so only the suspicion of certain disorders arises. Therefore, phenotype–genotype matching is much more difficult. The appropriate diagnostics must be selected based on the uncertain phenotype: traditional karyotyping, FISH, F-PCR, CMA, WES, or targeted sequencing.

After birth, examinations of the newborn—and in the case of miscarriage or stillbirth, pathological and fetopathological examinations—provide the opportunity for more detailed, accurate, and deep phenotyping.

A lot of useful information comes from comparing the results of intrauterine examination and those of examinations after delivery or miscarriage.

Dr. Artur Beke
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • obstetric ultrasound
  • fetal malformations
  • genetic examinations
  • neonatal malformations
  • fetopatology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1048 KB  
Article
A Population-Based Study of U.S. Trends in Selected Congenital Anomalies (2016–2023) and Socio-Demographic Disparities: A CDC WONDER Analysis
by Mahmoud Ali, Ramesh Vidavalur and Naveed Hussain
Children 2026, 13(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020192 - 29 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Background: Congenital anomalies are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While interventions including folic acid supplementation have reduced neural tube defects, data on modifiable socio-demographic risk factors remain limited. Aim: This study aimed to assess variation in the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies [...] Read more.
Background: Congenital anomalies are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While interventions including folic acid supplementation have reduced neural tube defects, data on modifiable socio-demographic risk factors remain limited. Aim: This study aimed to assess variation in the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies across the United States according to socio-demographic factors. Methods: A population-based analysis was conducted using CDC-WONDER natality data from 2016 to 2023. Included anomalies were anencephaly, spina bifida, cyanotic heart disease, diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, limb reduction, cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome, chromosomal disorders, and hypospadias. Associations with maternal age, BMI, race, tobacco use, diabetes, and fertility treatments were analyzed. Prevalence rates were calculated per 1000 live births. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Joinpoint regression was used to assess annual percent changes (APCs), with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 3,482,944 singleton live births in 2023, the overall prevalence of the selected congenital anomalies was 3.3 per 1000. Compared to Caucasian mothers, risk was lower in Asian (RR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.52–0.63) and Black (RR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.76–0.85) infants and higher in American Indian/Alaska Native infants. Significant risk factors included pre-pregnancy diabetes (RR 2.41; 95% CI: 2.16–2.69), maternal age > 45 (RR 2.95; 95% CI: 2.36–3.69), and tobacco use (RR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.64–1.94). A significant decline in prevalence was observed from 2016 to 2023 (APC: −0.6%; 95% CI: −1.1 to −0.2; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Significant disparities and modifiable maternal risk factors were associated with the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies in the U.S. from 2016 to 2023. A modest statistically significant decline in overall prevalence was observed during the study period, supporting the importance of continued national surveillance and targeted preconception and prenatal interventions to reduce risk and address inequities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Screening and Diagnostics of Fetal and Neonatal Malformations)
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Review

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11 pages, 562 KB  
Review
Down Syndrome Births Among Live Births from the CDC Wonder Database
by Stephanie L. Santoro, Chance Alvarado, Stephen A. Hart, Thomas Casto and Clifford L. Cua
Children 2026, 13(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050612 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
We evaluated the birth rate of Down syndrome (DS) in the CDC birth certificate online database. From 2016 to 2025, live birth incidence could range greatly (depending on the proportion of unknown cases that are counted as DS+) due to relatively high numbers [...] Read more.
We evaluated the birth rate of Down syndrome (DS) in the CDC birth certificate online database. From 2016 to 2025, live birth incidence could range greatly (depending on the proportion of unknown cases that are counted as DS+) due to relatively high numbers of unknown/not stated status. The annual live birth incidence of DS in live-born infants using CDC birth certificate data from 2016 to 2025 shows a wide range of potential birth rates as calculated here, due to relatively high numbers of unknown/not stated DS status. Although our findings overlap with published data, future studies are needed to further evaluate the current birth rate of DS in the US. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Screening and Diagnostics of Fetal and Neonatal Malformations)
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