In brief
Videos, infographics, key statistics, expert interviews… Find the latest news and key information on congenital anomalies and malformations here
The Disease
What is a congenital anomaly?
Congenital anomalies are structural defects affecting one or more organs. They result either from an abnormality that disrupted the normal developmental process of the embryo or fetus, or from a genetic cause. Genetic information, contained in the nucleus of every cel...
Our Work
Epidemiological Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies
Epidemiological surveillance of congenital anomalies arose largely in response to the increase in cases of limb abnormalities caused by thalidomide, a drug widely prescribed to pregnant women between the 1950s and 1960s. Surveillance systems wer...
Data
An increase in the number of births with at least one congenital anomaly
In 2022, the prevalence of cases with at least one major congenital anomaly (according to the EUROCAT classification) stood at 342.0 cases per 10,000 total births, or 1 case per 29 births. Trend analysis reveals a significan...
Publications
Find here the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé Publique France;
2 publications
enquêtes/études
Epidemiological Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies in France in Areas Covered by a Registry: 2019–2021
In relation to
Tobacco
thematic dossier
Despite a slight decrease compared to 2015, tobacco remains responsible for more than 68,000 premature deaths in 2023—accounting for 11% of total mortality—making it still the leading cause of...
Alcohol
thematic dossier
Alcohol is deeply rooted in French culture. Its consumption remains a major cause of death and illness in France.
Pesticides
thematic dossier
Pesticides are widely used in France, primarily in agriculture, and the population is heavily exposed to them. Their effects on the health of the general population are still poorly understood.
