INTRODUCTION: Between 2019-2021, facing public concern, a scientific expert committee (SEC) reanalysed suspected clusters of transverse upper limb reduction defects (TULRD) in three administrative areas in France, where initial investigations had not identified any risk exposure. We share here the national approach we developed for managing suspicious clusters of the same group of congenital anomalies occurring in several areas. METHODS: The SEC analysed the medical records of TURLD suspected cases and performed spatiotemporal analyses on confirmed cases. If the cluster was statistically significant and included at least three cases, the SEC reviewed exposures obtained from questionnaires, environmental databases, and a survey among farmers living near to cases" homes concerning their plant product use. RESULTS: After case re-ascertainment, no statistically significant cluster was observed in the first administrative areas. In the second area, a cluster of four children born in two nearby towns over two years was confirmed, but as with the initial investigations, no exposure to a known risk factor explaining the number of cases in excess was identified. In the third area, a cluster including just two cases born the same year in the same town was confirmed. DISCUSSION: Our experience highlights that in the event of suspicious clusters occurring in different areas of a country, a coordinated and standardised approach should be preferred.
Auteur : Boudet-Berquier Julie, Demattei Christophe, Guldner Laurence, Gallay Anne, Manouvrier Sylvie, Botton Jérémie, Philippat Claire, Delva Fleur, Bloch Juliette, Semaille Caroline, Odent Sylvie, Perthus Isabelle, Randrianaivo Hanitra, Babajko Sylvie, Barjat Tiphaine, Beneteau Claire, Brennetot Naima, Garne Ester, Haddad Georges, Hocine Mounia, Lacroix Isabelle, Leuraud Klervi, Mench Michel, Morris Joan, Patrier Sophie, Sartelet Arnaud, Verloes Alain, Bonaldi Christophe, Le Barbier Mélina, Gagnière Bertrand, Pépin Philippe, Ollivier Ronan, Bitoun Monique, King Lisa, Guajardo-Villar Andrea, Gomes Eugenia, Desenclos Jean-Claude, Regnault Nolwenn, Benachi Alexandra
European journal of epidemiology, 2024, p. Online ahead of print
