Multiple birth defects, also known as multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs), are defined as the simultaneous presence of defects in two or more different systems, organs or tissues in the same individual. MCAs account for 20% to 30% of all children with birth defects and have become an important public health issue in the prevention and control of birth defects. MCAs can occur as random events or as etiologically related patterns of abnormal. Identifying MCAs patterns can provide important clues for revealing the underlying aetiology, elucidating the mechanism, predicting the development trend, and formulating strategiesforprevention and treatment. Currently, there are many methods for assessing the pattern of MCAs, and each calculation method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we reviewed five commonly used statistical analysis methods for evaluating the pattern of MCAs, including the proportion method, multiple regression analysis, cluster analysis, log-linear analysis, and O/E (Observed/Expected) ratio. Moreover, we elaborated on their applications, strengths, and limitations in the birth defects surveillance system. Given the large birth defects surveillance system and rich data resources in China, which provides good conditions for MCAs research, the current review of the MCAs analysis methods is of great significance for making full use of these resources to conduct related research.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |