Case-control study of congenital malformations

Abstract

To determine potentially teratogenic influencies in Belgrade, a group of 113 mothers who gave birth to severely malformed infants and a control group of 195 mothers with normal infants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in the mother's family history of congenital malformations (P < 0.05) and the mother's diseases during the pregnancy (P < 0.01). Infections in the first trimester were particularly more prevalent in case mothers (OR = 7.70; P < 0.01). Mothers did not differ significantly according to exposure to organic solvents, supportive therapy during the pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, or other personal habits. © 1992 Gustav Fischer.