Analyzing the global burden of 11 subtypes of congenital birth defects: trends, sociodemographic correlates, and outcomes from 1990 to 2021

Congenital birth defects (CBDs) significantly affect child mortality and disability worldwide, yet regional understandings of their burden and contributing factors remain poorly defined. This study examines global trends in prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality related to CBDs and their 11 subtypes from 1990 to 2021. Employing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, this cross-sectional analysis covers CBD prevalence, mortality, and DALYs among children aged 0–14 years. It also investigates relationships between these trends and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), employing advanced statistics like Joinpoint regression and heatmap analyses to elucidate geographic variations. From 1990 to 2021, global trends in CBD prevalence, mortality, and DALYs generally decreased. The neonatal period (<28 days) presented the highest risk, with notable prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates. Among the 11 subtypes, congenital musculoskeletal and limb anomalies were most prevalent, while Turner syndrome was least common. Congenital heart anomalies recorded the highest mortality and DALYs. There was a negative correlation between CBD burden and SDI. The study underscores the global impact of CBDs on child health, pointing to significant regional disparities linked to socioeconomic factors. The findings advocate for enhanced prevention and management strategies specifically designed for regions with lower SDIs. The prevalence, mortality, and DALYs attributable to congenital birth defects (CBDs) significantly decreased globally from 1990 to 2021, though notable regional disparities persist.A negative correlation was observed between the burden of CBDs and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), highlighting the role of socioeconomic development in reducing disease burden.The neonatal period (<28 days) remains the critical window for addressing CBD burden, emphasizing the need for enhanced early screening and intervention programs globally. The prevalence, mortality, and DALYs attributable to congenital birth defects (CBDs) significantly decreased globally from 1990 to 2021, though notable regional disparities persist. A negative correlation was observed between the burden of CBDs and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), highlighting the role of socioeconomic development in reducing disease burden. The neonatal period (<28 days) remains the critical window for addressing CBD burden, emphasizing the need for enhanced early screening and intervention programs globally.