ARTHROGRYPOSIS MULTIPLEX CONGENITA: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY ANALYZING RISK FACTORS FOR NEWBORN PRESENTATION IN BOGOTÁ AND CALI, COLOMBIA

Background: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a rare musculoskeletal birth defect, our objective is to conduct an epidemiological characterization of the prevalence and risk factors associated with the presentation of AMC in newborns. Methods: A population-based case-control study was performed with the data from the Program for the Prevention and Surveillance of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases of Bogotá and Cali (PREVERDEC) from January 2002 to March 2020. Including 29 cases of AMC and 126 controls. Prevalence was calculated per 10,000 Live Births (LB) with a 95% confidence interval. Demographic factors were analyzed using Student’s t-test, and risk factors for AMC were assessed through univariate regression. Results: The prevalence of AMC amounted to 0.52 cases per 10,000 LB (95% CI: 0.35–0.75). Increased association for AMC was found in cases with low birth weight ( <2,500 g), low gestational age ( <37 weeks), and presence of polyhydramnios. Decreased risk association was found in cases with paternal age >35 years, male newborns and folic acid consumption. Conclusion: This study explores the prevalence and risk factors of AMC in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia, aiming to mitigate morbidity in susceptible populations. Establishing surveillance systems for congenital abnormalities is crucial for enhancing AMC identification, diagnosis, and early treatment.