Why Is This Important?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a defect involving problems with the heart's structure at birth. This defect changes the normal flow of blood through the heart. Tetralogy of Fallot is a defined to be the combination of four specific defects: (1) a hole in the wall between the ventricles (two lower chambers of the heart), called a ventricular septal defect; (2) narrowing of the tube that carries blood from the heart to the lungs, called pulmonary stenosis; (3) the aorta (the tube that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body) grows from both ventricles, rather than from the left ventricle only; and (4) a thickened muscular wall of the right ventricle, called right ventricular hypertrophy. A specific cause for tetralogy of Fallot is unknown. Scientists generally agree that multiple causes seem to be involved. For example, mothers who experience rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy have a higher risk of having a baby with tetralogy of Fallot. In addition, scientists have found that mothers with poor nutrition, a history of alcohol use, or diabetes, or who are older than 40 years of age might have a higher risk for having a baby with tetralogy of Fallot. Other risks for this defect are thought to include: white race (there is a higher risk of tetralogy of Fallot among white babies than among babies of other races or ethnicities); and possibly exposure to carbon monoxide.

Definition

Number of children born with tetralogy of Fallot per 10,000 live births to women residing in New Jersey in a specified time interval.

Data Sources

• Birth Certificate Database, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/)
• Early Identification and Monitoring Program, Division of Family Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/)

How the Measure is Calculated

Available Services

Early Intervention System: The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS), under the Division of Family Health Services, implements New Jersey's statewide system of services for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. The Department of Health (NJDOH) is appointed by the Governor as the state lead agency for the Early Intervention System. [http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis] Since 2008, NJEIS has regionalized the system's point of entry for referral of children, birth to age three, with developmental delays and disabilities. Families and health care providers can call 1-888-653-4463 to refer a child to the NJEIS. NJDOH Family Health Services Case Management Units: Each of New Jersey's 21 counties has a Special Child Health Services (SCHS) Case Management Unit. SCHS Case Managers, with parental consent, work with the child's parents and physicians to evaluate an affected child's strengths and needs; and develop an individual service plan for the child and family. Medical, educational, developmental, social and financial needs of the child and family are targeted. NJ Department of Health, Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services, PO Box 364, Trenton, NJ 08625-0364, Phone: (609) 984-0755, website: [http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/sch/] Catastrophic Illness Relief Fund: The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund is a financial assistance program for New Jersey families whose children have serious illnesses or conditions not covered by insurance, state or federal programs, or other funding sources. Contact the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program: 1-800-335-FUND (3863)

More Resources

Statewide and county profiles of the most prevalent birth defects can be found at, [http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/bdr/datum/] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, [http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/index.html] American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, (800) 242-8721 Congenital Heart Information Network, 101 N Washington Ave, Suite 1A, Margate City NJ 08402-1195, 609-822-1572 March of Dimes Foundation, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, askus@marchofdimes.com, [http://www.marchofdimes.com], Tel: 914-428-7100, 888-MODIMES (663-4637), Fax: 914-428-8203 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), P.O. Box 1968, 55 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury, CT 06813-1968, orphan@rarediseases.org, [http://www.rarediseases.org], Tel: 203-744-0100, Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673), Fax: 203-798-2291