Incidence of neural tube defects and other external congenital anomalies among newborn

Abstract

Background: Congenital malformations are becoming an important cause of neonatal death due to reduction of mortality by other common causes of death owing to the improvement of neonatal care. Routine physical examination of every newborn is important for multiple purposes including exploration of external congenital anomalies. Objective: To determine the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and other external congenital anomalies that can be detected by routine physical examination only. Methods: It was an observational cross sectional study. This study was conducted in the department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics of Khulna Medical College Hospital from June 2016 to May 2017. All the delivered newborn in Obstetrics ward and the neonates in the pediatrics ward were included in the study. The babies were examined immediately after delivery or admission. A detailed history including potential risk factors was taken and a thorough physical examination was performed. All the relevant information was noted in a predesigned questionnaire. Results: A total of 4,462 neonates were studied in pediatrics and obstetrics ward. Thirty four (0.76%) cases of congenital anomalies were found during one year. Neural tube defects were observed in 4 (0.04%) cases only. No other risk factor except folic acid intake was related with them. Congenital anomalies most frequently involved the musculoskeletal system (29.4%). Conclusion: Routine physical examination of newborn can identify a significant number of congenital anomalies. Non-intake of folic acid during preconceptional and antenatal period is the single-most risk factor for NTDs.