Birth Defects Account for 5.2% of Hospital Costs

The CDC recently released an analysis of the hospitalization costs associated with birth defects. Here are some key findings from the report:

•	Structural or genetic birth defects affect 3% of live births in the U.S.
•	20% of infant deaths in the U.S. are due to birth defects.
•	Birth defects accounted for 3% of all hospitalizations.
•	5.2% of total hospital costs are attributable to birth defects.
•	Birth defect–associated hospitalizations cost $22.9 billion in 2013.
•	Cardiovascular defects accounted for 14% of birth defect hospitalizations.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 20, 2017