Rising rate of malformation of male urinary tract in US

["Pat Costner" <pat.costner@dialb.greenpeace.org>]

  J.R., Penile birth defect on the rise, Science News 152 (22): 344, 
November 29, 1997.

    The U.S. incidence of hypospadias - a male birth defect
    characterized by a malplacement of the urinary outlet - nearly
    doubled between 1968 and 1993, a new study finds.  This is the
    first report of such an increase outside Europe (SN: 1/22/94, p.
    56).

    Epidemiologists at the federal Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention in Atlanta analyzed data from two registries of birth
    defects.  The U.S. rate, now "approaching 1 percent of male
    births," is among the highest reported anywhere, observes
    Leonard J. Paulozzi, who led the study.  In the November
    "Pediatrics," his team notes that severe cases appear to account
    for most of the increase.  Although the rising incidence shows
    up in all regions of the country, the rate of increase has been
    highest in the Southeast and in non-whites - previously, a
    relatively low-risk group.

    Hypospadias, which is correctable through surgery, traces to
    some disruption in the development of the penile urethra - the
    urine-carrying organ - between weeks 9 and 12 of gestation. 
    What triggers the deformity remains unknown, although Paulozzi
    notes  could stem from a mother's steroid use early in
    pregnancy, from dietary factors, or from exposure to any of
    dozens of pollutants that can mimic effects of estrogen and
    other steroid hormones. 
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Pat Costner
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ph:  501-253-8440
fx:  501-253-5540
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