Why Is This Important?

Upper and lower limb reduction defects occur when a part of or the entire arm (upper limb) or leg (lower limb) of a fetus fails to form completely during pregnancy. The defect is referred to as a "limb reduction" because a limb is reduced from its normal size or is missing.

While the causes of limb reduction defects are unknown, research suggests that certain behaviors or exposures during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a baby with a limb reduction defect. Risk factors include: exposure of the mother to certain medications, chemicals, or viruses while pregnant; and perhaps maternal exposure to tobacco smoke.

Definition

Number of children born with either upper limb deficiencies and/or lower limb deficiencies 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

• Numerator:

  Number of children born with either upper limb deficiencies and/or lower limb deficiencies among live births to women residing in New Jersey in a specified time interval.

• Denominator:

  Count of all live births to women residing in New Jersey in a specified time interval.

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Related Risk Factors Indicators:

• Tobacco Use During Pregnancy

Health Topic Pages Related to: Limb Deficiencies

• Birth Defects