Are incidence and severity of clubfoot related to the season of birth?

World J Pediatr. 2016 Aug;12(3):360-363. doi: 10.1007/s12519-016-0029-7. Epub 2016 Jun 29.

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to determine whether the occurrence of clubfoot follows a seasonal pattern in neonates from eastern and south-eastern China and to speculate the potential etiology of clubfoot.

Methods: We reviewed 239 neonates with clubfeet during a period of 4 years as well as the monthly neonatal population of the Sixth National Population Census. Seasonal variations in terms of month of birth and severity were analyzed.

Results: The incidence of clubfoot in neonates from eastern and south-eastern China showed seasonal variations, and the incidence was higher in autumn with a reference to the average birth rate in this corresponding area. No significant difference was found in severity of clubfoot.

Conclusions: This seasonal pattern is of significant value to further understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of clubfoot in the corresponding area of China.

Keywords: clubfoot; etiology; seasonality.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • China / epidemiology
  • Clubfoot / diagnosis*
  • Clubfoot / epidemiology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Seasons*
  • Sex Distribution