Clinical pattern and perinatal outcome of major congenital malformations seen at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims/Objective: To look at the rate of congenital malformation in the Kano area of Nigeria against the background of socioeconomic depression and high consanguinity.Methodology: A retrospective review of obvious major congenital malformations in both inborn and out born neonates admitted into the special care baby unit over a seven-year period at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was done.Results: Congenital malformations accounted for 6% of the total number of admissions into the unit. There was a slight male preponderance and the mean maternal age was 24.5 years. Gastrointestinal, central nervous system and unclassified malformations were the commonest. The gastrointestinal system had the highest case fatality rate. Majority of the central nervous system cases were referred because of non-availability of a neurosurgeon. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis and early postnatal diagnosis will improve the outcome of babies with congenital malformations, as the intervention waiting time will be reduced. There is a need to develop a medical genetics research centre in the country. Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 9(1) 2006: 23-25