IJCM_359A: Pattern of Congenital Anomalies among newborn babies - A Hospital based study

Abstract

Background: Congenital anomalies can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally. Some of the congenital anomalies may be life threatening, hence an immediate management is required. This study is to determine the pattern of congenital anomalies among newborn babies and factors associated with it. Methodology: It was a descriptive study carried out at KMC Hospital, Attavar on all the new born babies with congenital abnormalities born or admitted in KMC Attavar. Data extraction sheet had two sections including the maternal details, history of newborn related to type of congenital anomalies and condition of the baby at birth. Data was entered and analyzed by using statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.5. Descriptive statistics like mean, proportions and standard deviation was used for expressing the results. Results: We found that 56.25% of the cases were of maternal age group <30years. 3.16% were non-consanguinous marriages, 56.46% of mothers were primiparous & 43.53% were multiparous. Only 18.40% had maternal co morbidities & 5.84% had hazardous exposure. 67% of the study population were males and 33% were females. In cases where single system was involved, 66.85% were males and 33.15% were females. In cases with multiple malformations, 67.56% were males and 32.43% were females. In the cases where maternal age was <30yrs, 22.85% of anomalies were in the cardiovascular system, and in ≥30yr, 29.63% were multiple malformations. Conclusion: Among the congenital anomalies affecting the newborns, the most affected single system is gastrointestinal tract followed by cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system. Multiple malformations were found to be the highest. Congenital anomalies were found to be more in males than females. In maternal age group of less than 30yrs, highest number of anomalies were in the cardiovascular system and for more than/equal 30yrs, highest number was multiple malformations.