Different Types of Abnormalities of Newborn with Congenital Anomalies

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are structural, behavioral, functional, or metabolic defects that occur before the birth of a baby, and their nature and type are highly dependent on the causative agent. It refers to changes in embryonic or fetal development caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors that result in physical and/or mental impairment. This study aims to evaluate the various types of abnormalities in newborns with congenital anomalies. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Medicine and Pediatric Surgery departments of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Eighty (80) newborns were included in the study using a purposive sampling method. The study was conducted during the time from April 2012 to September 2012. The aim of the study was to evaluate the various types of abnormalities in newborns with congenital anomalies. A pre-designed questionnaire was completed for every neonate including H/O regular maternal antenatal care with the taking of TT and MMR vaccine, any maternal disease or fever with rash, taking any offending drug, use of abortifacient, exposure to radiation or industrial hazards, feeding habit including smoking or use of alcohol and clinical and anthropological examination. Results: Eighty neonates were presented with congenital anomalies. Male infants were 52(65.0%) and female infants were 28(35.0%). Among congenital heart diseases TGA found in 4(5.0%), TOF 2(2.5%), VSD 4(5.0%), PDA 5(6.3) cases. According to the patient’s abnormalities, hydrocephalus was found in 14(17.5%), encephalocele in 4(5.0%) & meningocele, myelomeningocele was found in 13(16.3%) cases. Club foot in 8(10.0%) syndactyly, polydactyly was in 6(7.5%) and cleft lip and palate were in 16(20.0%) cases. Anorectal malformations were observed in 11(13.8%) cases. Ambiguous genitalia were 11(13.8%) cases. Previous maternal history of abnormal delivery shows Encephalocele, meningocele, myelomeningocele, club foot was 9(11.4%), IUGR 3(3.8%), preterm birth 7(8.8%), stillbirth 3(3.8%) and infants death was 3(3.8%). Conclusion: Most frequent birth defect was cleft lip and/or palate followed by congenital heart diseases, hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele, ambiguous genitalia, and anorectal malformations. The study of birth defects in underdeveloped countries should continue.