Background Digestive congenital anomalies (DCAs) are a major cause of neonatal death and disability, but comprehensive data on their global burden and regional disparities are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the global trends and burden of DCAs from 1990 to 2021. Methods Data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used to estimate annual prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rates (ASPR, ASMR, ASDR) of DCAs. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated and frontier analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential for burden reduction. Future trends were projected using statistical modeling. Results Between 1990 and 2021, the global burden of DCAs decreased significantly, with reductions in mortality and DALYs. ASMRs declined from 1.19 (0.66, 1.85) to 0.77 (0.58, 0.96) per 100,000 (AAPC = −1.40), and ASDRs from 108.30 (60.88, 166.69) to 70.44 (53.14, 87.60) (AAPC = −1.38). The burden was highest in infants aged 0–6 days and in low-SDI regions, which have greater improvement potential. By 2036, prevalent cases will increase, but deaths and DALYs are expected to continue declining. Conclusions Despite progress in reducing the burden of DCAs, disparities persist, particularly in low-SDI regions, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare and neonatal surgery access. Impact <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> We analyzed global trends in the prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of digestive congenital anomalies (DCAs) from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Our findings reveal that although the global burden of DCAs has declined, significant disparities persist, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions. Frontier analysis emphasized substantial improvement potential in these regions. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced screening programs, healthcare resources, and targeted interventions in low-SDI regions to further reduce the burden of DCAs and achieve equitable healthcare outcomes. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Global, regional, and national burden of digestive congenital anomalies from 1990–2021

期刊论文
出版模式：

开放获取
发表日期：

2025年9月30日

查看全文

Linghao Cai,
Hongbo Gong,
Qiuyu Geng,
Dengming Lai,
Jinfa Tou

摘要

Background

Digestive congenital anomalies (DCAs) are a major cause of neonatal death and disability, but comprehensive data on their global burden and regional disparities are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the global trends and burden of DCAs from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

Data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used to estimate annual prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rates (ASPR, ASMR, ASDR) of DCAs. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated and frontier analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential for burden reduction. Future trends were projected using statistical modeling.

Results

Between 1990 and 2021, the global burden of DCAs decreased significantly, with reductions in mortality and DALYs. ASMRs declined from 1.19 (0.66, 1.85) to 0.77 (0.58, 0.96) per 100,000 (AAPC = −1.40), and ASDRs from 108.30 (60.88, 166.69) to 70.44 (53.14, 87.60) (AAPC = −1.38). The burden was highest in infants aged 0–6 days and in low-SDI regions, which have greater improvement potential. By 2036, prevalent cases will increase, but deaths and DALYs are expected to continue declining.

Conclusions

Despite progress in reducing the burden of DCAs, disparities persist, particularly in low-SDI regions, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare and neonatal surgery access.

Impact

We analyzed global trends in the prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of digestive congenital anomalies (DCAs) from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Our findings reveal that although the global burden of DCAs has declined, significant disparities persist, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions. Frontier analysis emphasized substantial improvement potential in these regions.

These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced screening programs, healthcare resources, and targeted interventions in low-SDI regions to further reduce the burden of DCAs and achieve equitable healthcare outcomes.