Prevalance and patterns of congenital anomalies in a tertiary care centre in Pondicherry

Abstract

Advances in ultrasound have helped in better detection of congential anomalies and termination of lethal anomalies at earlier gestational ages These anomalies contribute to major maternal and neonatal morbidity. The prevalence of conge nital anomalies varies with geographical location & ethnicity. In many cases environmental and other maternal risk factors can be identified.The present study is a retrospective cohort study which was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry over a 3 year period from September 2016 to September 2019. Antenatal women diagnosed with congenital anomalies by imaging who delivered in our hospital were included in this study. Different types of anomalies were classified and risk factors leading to them were assessed.During the study period out of 6134 deliveries, 140 babies had congenital anomalies leading to a prevalence of 2.28%. 80 of these babies did not have lethal anomalies and survived but medical termination of pregnancy was required in 60 cases. 55% of anomalous babies were males. 60.71% cases were seen in multigravida and 44.3% did not take folic acid in the antenatal period. 25% of cases had history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and were on treatment with insulin. Consanguinity was a cause in 27.8% of cases. 72.14% had normal vaginal delivery whereas 27.86% of cases required Caesarean section. Majority of congenital anomalies affected the Central Nervous system accounting for 28.5% of cases followed by gastrointestinal system (20.71%) & musculoskeletal system (20%). Inspite of good health care facilities in and around Pondicherry, the prevalence of congenital anomalies remains high. Increased awareness and need of proper counselling may help in reducing these anomalies.