History and Funding
The NZBDR began in 1975 and has four main purposes:
- To monitor the occurrence of birth defects in New Zealand.
- To investigate clusters of birth defects.
- To use the data for studies into the causes of birth defects.
- To provide information for the planning of health services and development of health policy related to birth defects.
The NZBD is based at the Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University and its operation is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Population Coverage
The NZBDR covers all livebirths (approximately 60,000 per year) delivered or treated in a New Zealand publicly funded hospital. Data on stillbirths are retrospectively added to the database together with additional cases derived from the national perinatal and mortality databases.
Sources of Ascertainment
All livebirths and stillbirths.
Maximum Age at Diagnosis
No limit as the NZBDR has a process on continuous ascertainment. Data is analysed and presented by birth cohorts.
Terminations of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly (TOPFA)
A voluntary system of notifications from terminations of pregnancy was implemented in February 2011. A new system for ascertaining birth defects from TOPs is being established.
Stillbirth and Early Fetal Deaths
In late 1995 the definition of stillbirth was changed from 28 weeks completed gestation to 20 weeks or more gestation and/or 400g birthweight.
Exposure Data Availability
No exposure information are currently available, but attempts are being made to obtain such data as well as increase the level of ascertainment.
Denominators and Controls Information
The denominators are all live and still births.
Ethics & Consent
The data are routinely collected by the New Zealand Ministry of Health and consent is not required to use these for monitoring purposes. However, using these data for specific research studies requires the consent of an ethics committee. Patient consent is also required for inclusion in such studies.
Address for Further Information
Associate Professor Barry Borman,Programme Director
New Zealand Birth Defects Monitoring Programme
Centre for Public Health Research
Massey University,
PO Box 756
Wellington 6140,
New Zealand
Tel: +64-4-801-4985
Fax: +64-4-380-0600
Email: b.borman@massey.ac.nz
http://publichealth.massey.ac.nz/