Introduction: Congenital malformations are characterized by structural abnormalities present
at birth as a consequence of a factor originated during development, and may be genetic,
environmental or unknown factors. It is estimated that, worldwide, 7.9 million people are born
with some type of congenital malformation and about 85% of cases of congenital malformations
occur in developing countries. Currently, congenital abnormalities comprise the second largest
cause of infant mortality in children under 1 year of age in Brazil. Aim: To evaluate the
prevalence of congenital malformations in the State of Pará in the period from 2014 to 2015,
using the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). Methodology: This is an epidemiological,
descriptive, retrospective quantitative and sectional study on live births with congenital
malformations in the state of Pará, from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2015, through the
information stored in SINASC databases, provided by the Pará State Department of Health
(SESPA). Results: 287,015 births were reported in the state of Pará, of which 1162 had some
type of congenital malformation. The total prevalence of congenital malformations among live
births in Pará was 40.6 per 10,000 live births. The most frequent were the anomalies of the
osteomuscular apparatus, followed by the central nervous system and cleft lip and/or palate.
The low ingestion of folic acid by the Pará's population, especially the riverines, associated with
socioeconomic conditions, territorial extension and difficulties in accessing health care
services, contributed to the high prevalence of malformations in the State. Most of the cases
were born in public hospitals (Municipal and State). The highest frequency of congenital
malformations occurred in women 20 to 34 years of age, with up to 12 years of schooling and
who received up to 6 or fewer prenatal visits. Final Considerations: It is necessary to create
public policies that meet the real needs of the Amazonian population and that lead to the
improvement of the living conditions of this population. As well as guaranteeing access to
health services, planned and detailed reproductive and prenatal care to prevent congenital
malformations, through adequate supplementation with folic acid, promotion of intrauterine
diagnosis of malformations, efficient prenatal consultations and finally, it is proposed a review
of the fortification of foods with folic acid, both the type of food and the amount of folic acid
ingestion should be reviewed, especially due to the peculiarities of the Amazon people, so these
populations can also benefit from this public policy
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