Incidence of congenital anomalies in neonates – a tertiary care experience

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital malformations represent a defect in the morphogenesis during fetal life. Since the introduction of primary health care, congenital malformations have emerged as one of the commonest causes of perinatal mortality. Hence timely detection and intervention can decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the congenital anomalies. Aims and Objectives: To study the incidence of congenital anomalies among live births, term, and preterms, to classify the congenital anomalies and study the underlying risk factors and to study the immediate outcome of congenital malformations in hospital delivered neonates. Methods: This was a prospective study in which total live births in a duration of 6 months from August 2018 to January 2019 were studied. Data were obtained in the form of total live births-preterm and full term. The congenital anomalies were identified within 24 hours and classified according to the system involved. The information regarding maternal risk factors, age of the mother, family history, previous sibling death, antenatal detection, MRI and CT findings were studied. Detailed history, examinations, and investigations were carried out to identify etiological factors. The further outcome in the form of morbidity, mortality, and intervention was studied. Results: The total incidence of CM among live birth was 6.1%. The incidence among term neonates was 5.1% and among preterms was 33%. The most common system involved was gastrointestinal followed by musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiac (mention percentages). Conclusions: The overall incidence of congenital anomalies among live birth was 6.1%.The incidence in full-term was and incidence in preterms was 5.1% and 33% respectively. Male gender, multiparity, and consanguinity were identified as risk factors. Gastroesophageal anomalies were the most common followed by musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiac.