Variation spatiotemporelle de la cryptorchidie et de l’hypospadias au Québec : Une étude exploratoire

摘要

Objectives: Previous research has shown evidence of an increase in the number of cases of cryptorchidism and hypospadias between 1970 and 1990. Geographical disparities of these anomalies are widely described. This study aims to measure the prevalence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias at birth in the province of Quebec, to investigate if there is an increasing trend and to assess the interregional distribution of these anomalies. Method: A descriptive epidemiological study was undertaken to investigate the number of newborn males up to five years of age, hospitalized for cryptorchidism or hypospadias in Quebec between 1989 and 2004 based on data collected from MED-ECHO, a database compiling hospitalizations and used for administrative purposes. Birth rates were provided by the Statistical Institute of Quebec. Results: Mean yearly prevalence per 1000 male live births was 19.1 (95% CI 18.8–19.4) for cryptorchidism and 11.4 (95% CI 11.1–11.6) for hypospadias for the province of Quebec. Within the period of study, the prevalence of cryptorchidism decreased slightly while that of hypospadias remained stable. Significant variations in prevalence were observed in some regions compared to the province, for both pathologies. Conclusion: In Quebec, the prevalence of cryptorchidism is decreasing while that of hypospadias is stable. There is significant regional variation among the province. More studies are needed to assess the potential link with environmental contaminants as an emerging explanation. The implementation of an adequate surveillance system for congenital anomalies would allow for a more accurate representation of the situation.