Pattern of congenital anomalies and associated maternal risk factors : A study from Mysore, South India

Abstract

Introduction: Morphlogical abnormalities arising due to structural defects or abnormal formation of tissues or organs are known as Congenital malformations. Most of the malformations have mixed genetic and environmental causation. Incidence of congenital anomalies differs from country to country and from region to region within same country. This study aimed to the study maternal risk factors and their association with pattern of congenital anomalies in a tertiary care hospital of South India. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Data from case records of mothers admitted with congenital anamolies in the fetuses were reviewed and analysed. The case records were from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, JSS Hospital over a two year study period. There were 47 mothers who had given birth to anamalous fetus and their details were studied with respect to risk factors involved and the pattern of congenital anamalies. Results: The maternal risk factors such as history of previous abortions(27.7%), consanguinity (10.6%), rh-negative pregnancy (6.4%)and anomalous uterus (6.4%) were the most significant factors identified. Congenital anomalies were mostly found to be involving central nervous system(74.5%), musculoskeletal system (29.8%) and cardiovascular system(12.6%). Conclusions: Major maternal risk factor identified among the study group was history of previous abortions. Incidence of anamolies were most involving central nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Keywords: Fetal Development, Embryogenesis, Neonatal Mortality, Congenital Malformations.