The Slone Epidemiology Center (SEC) is participating in the Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, one of eight such centers funded by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (CDC). These centers conduct surveillance and research aimed at the prevention of birth defects. One aspect of the Centers work is a national case-control study to identify risk factors for birth defects. Only well-defined major defects with unknown or uncertain etiology are included. The SEC role involves overall planning and conduct of the Massachusetts Center, participation in the design and analysis of the national study, and conduct of birth defect research that is not part of the national study but contributes to the centers objectives. In addition, as a contractor to MDPH, the SEC is responsible for all Massachusetts interviews within the national study.

Prinicpal Investigator:

Marlene Anderka, M.P.H.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Co-investigators:

Allen Mitchell, M.D.
Slone Epidemiology Center

Lewis Holmes, M.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Staff:

Martha Werler, Sc.D., Epidemiologist
Carol Louik, Sc.D., Epidemiologist
Susan Littlefield, R.N. Interviewer

Source of funding:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Study Period:

1996-present

Publications:

Link to Publications