Evaluation of birth defect histories obtained through maternal interviews.

摘要: Etiologic studies of birth defects often use family history information provided by parents patients. The validity this has not been adequately assessed. Using data from the Atlanta Birth Defects Case-Control study, we evaluated sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value mothers' responses regarding presence in their offspring. A total 4929 mothers infants with major structural ascertained Metropolitan Congenital Program a 3,029 normal were asked whether babies had defect or health problem diagnosed during first year life. Interviewers coders maternal blinded to case-control status infants. Sensitivity (the proportion case who gave that could be coded as denoting defect) was 61%. Specificity control 98%. major-birth-defect response fact defects) estimated 47%. Sensitivity, varied sociodemographic factors such race education, well type defect. These results suggest obtained through interviews should cautiously interpreted and, if properly validated, may alter estimates recurrence risks.