Neonatal Congenital Anomalies Research Articles

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates in oocytes associated with increased risk of neonatal birth defects: Ameta-analysis.

Previous studies have indicated the association between smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa+) and poorer medically assisted reproduction outcomes. However, the link between SERa+ and neonatal outcomes remains controversial and open for debate. A comprehensive meta-analysis on the relation between SERa+ and the risk of birth defects is needed. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, Web of Science, and Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wan Fang from inception until July 2023. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed-effected model, while heterogeneity was assessed by forest plots and I2 statistic. Funnel plot was produced to assess publication bias. This meta-analysis has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022313387). The search resulted in 122 studies, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of birth defects revealed a higher risk (RR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.81, p = 0.007) in children derived from SERa+ cycle compared to SERa- cycles (711 vs. 4633). Meanwhile, in a subgroup analysis, the risk of birth defects was significantly increased in the SERa+ oocytes group as compared with the sibling SERa- oocytes group (RR = 3.53, 95%CI 1.21 to 10.24, p = 0.02). To conclude, our analysis indicated that SERa+ cycles/oocytes may have a potential risk of increased additional major birth defects comparing with SERa- cycles/oocytes. This conclusion may provide evidence-based support for clinicians in IVF clinical guidance and embryologists in prudent embryo selection strategy.

Diuretics in pregnancy: Data from the ESC Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC).

Data on diuretic use in pregnancy are limited and inconsistent, and consequently it remains unclear whether they can be used safely. Our study aims to evaluate the perinatal outcomes after in-utero diuretic exposure. The Registry Of Pregnancy And Cardiac disease (ROPAC) is a prospective, global registry of pregnancies in women with heart disease. Outcomes were compared between women who used diuretics during pregnancy versus those who did not. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of diuretic use on the occurrence of congenital anomalies and foetal growth. Diuretics were used in 382 (6.7%) of the 5739 ROPAC pregnancies, most often furosemide (86%). Age >35 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.0), other cardiac medication use (OR 5.4, 95% CI 4.2-6.9), signs of heart failure (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.2), estimated left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.2), New York Heart Association class >II (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.3-5.1), valvular heart disease (OR 6.3, 95% CI 4.7-8.3) and cardiomyopathy (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6-5.7) were associated with diuretic use during pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, diuretic use during the first trimester was not significantly associated with foetal or neonatal congenital anomalies (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.6), and diuretic use during pregnancy was also not significantly associated with small for gestational age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9). Our study does not conclusively establish an association between diuretic use during pregnancy and adverse foetal outcomes. Given these findings, it is essential to assess the risk-benefit ratio on an individual basis to guide clinical decisions.

Comprehensive preimplantation genetic testing for balanced insertional translocation carriers

BackgroundBalanced insertional translocations (BITs) can increase the risk of infertility, recurrent miscarriages or neonatal birth defects due to chromosomal imbalances in gametes. However, studies on preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for...

Genital Dysbiosis and Different Systemic Immune Responses Based on the Trimester of Pregnancy in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Respiratory infections are common in pregnancy with conflicting evidence supporting their association with neonatal congenital anomalies, especially during the first trimester. We profiled cytokine and chemokine systemic responses in 242 pregnant women and their newborns after SARS-CoV-2 infection, acquired in different trimesters. Also, we tested transplacental IgG passage and maternal vaginal-rectal microbiomes. IgG transplacental passage was evident, especially with infection acquired in the first trimester. G-CSF concentration-involved in immune cell recruitment-decreased in infected women compared to uninfected ones: a beneficial event for the reduction of inflammation but detrimental to ability to fight infections at birth. The later the infection was acquired, the higher the systemic concentration of IL-8, IP-10, and MCP-1, associated with COVID-19 disease severity. All infected women showed dysbiosis of vaginal and rectal microbiomes, compared to uninfected ones. Two newborns tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within the first 48 h of life. Notably, their mothers had acute infection at delivery. Although respiratory infections in pregnancy are reported to affect babies' health, with SARS-CoV-2 acquired early during gestation this risk seems low because of the maternal immune response. The observed vaginal and rectal dysbiosis could be relevant for neonatal microbiome establishment, although in our series immediate neonatal outcomes were reassuring.

Traumatic perinatal events and educational needs of labor and delivery room nurses in Korea: a cross-sectional survey.

The present study investigated experiences of traumatic perinatal events, the provision of related education, and educational needs of nurses working in the labor and delivery room (LDR). Nurses working in the LDRs of six institutions and two nurse portal sites were invited to participate in the survey, delivered on paper or online. The data were collected from October 1 to November 25, 2022. Data from 129 nurses were analyzed using frequency, the chi-square test, the Fisher exact test, the t-test, and analysis of variance. Virtually all participants (98.6%) reported having experienced at least one traumatic perinatal event (dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal congenital anomalies, severe maternal or neonatal injury, stillbirth, and maternal or neonatal death) while working in the LDR. The most shocking traumatic perinatal event experienced was the maternal or neonatal death (40.3%), but 24.8% of participants did not recall ever receiving education on the topic. About 63% of participants experienced traumatic perinatal events within a year of working in the LDR. The average score for education needs regarding traumatic perinatal events was 3.67±0.37 out of 4, and participants preferred simulation education as the most effective educational method. Since most of the participants had experienced various traumatic perinatal events in the early stages of working in the LDR and expressed a high level of need for education on traumatic perinatal events, it is necessary to provide more effective stimulation education programs in the early period of work in the LDR.

Predictors of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted to public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study.

Over 8 million newborns worldwide have congenital anomalies; 3.2 million have resultant disabilities. Ethiopia has a high burden of neonatal congenital anomalies, but research on predictors is limited. This study investigated predictors of neonatal congenital anomalies in eastern Ethiopia. A facility-based unmatched case-control study on 387 mother-infant pairs (129 cases, 258 controls) in public hospitals was conducted. Data were obtained using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical record review. Binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to identify predictors of congenital anomaly. Nervous system anomalies were most common 84 (65.1%), followed by gastrointestinal system anomalies 20 (15.5%). Maternal anemia (AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 2.48-7.69), alcohol consumption during index pregnancy (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.88-8.54), khat chewing (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04-2.85), rural residence (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.04-2.85) and antenatal care attendance (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.84) were significant predictors of congenital anomaly. Several risk factors for congenital anomalies were identified. To reduce risk, antenatal care services should be improved and mothers encouraged to avoid harmful substances during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Intervention strategies are needed to target these risk factors.

Magnitude, risk factors and immediate outcome of external congenital anomalies in neonates in government Cuddalore medical college and hospital: an observational study

Background: Despite the enormous incidence of congenital malformations in developing countries, there are presently few thorough data on these disorders because there are no birth defect registries. This study was conducted with objectives to determine the magnitude, risk factors and outcomes of external congenital anomalies in neonates born in government Cuddalore medical college and hospital. Methods: The present study is an observational study. All the neonates born during the study period were included in our study and risk factors and outcome of 201 babies born with external congenital anomalies were analyzed in detail. Results: The incidence of external congenital anomalies is 5.68% with 33% having major and 63% having minor anomalies. Among the major anomalies cleft lip and/or palate is the most common anomaly (5%) in our study. Overall sacral dimple is the most commonly observed external congenital anomaly (9.50%). Four-fifths of the newborns with external congenital anomalies were discharged. About 13% of the newborns with congenital anomalies expired. Conclusions: A comprehensive package that includes preventive services, diagnostic, surgical or medical intervention, financial assistance, counselling, and psychosocial support, as well as follow-up treatments like rehabilitation, is required in combating the incidence of congenital anomalies.

Maternal COVID-19 vaccination status and association with neonatal congenital anomalies.

Despite recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant people, the effect of vaccination on neonatal outcomes remains unknown. We sought to determine the association between COVID-19 vaccination status in pregnancy and presence of neonatally diagnosed congenital anomalies. A comprehensive vaccine registry was combined with a delivery database to create a cohort including all patients aged 16-55 years with a delivery event between December 10, 2020 and December 31, 2021 at a hospital within the Mayo Clinic Health System. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were analyzed in relation to vaccination status and timing, including a composite measure of congenital anomalies diagnosed in neonatal life. Comparisons between cohorts were conducted using chi-square test for categorical and Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. A multivariable logistic regression was modeled to assess the association with congenital anomalies. 5,096 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. A total of 1,158 were vaccinated, with 314 vaccinated in the first trimester. COVID-19 vaccination status, including vaccination during the first trimester of pregnancy, was not associated with an increased risk of composite congenital anomalies. When further examining congenital anomalies by organ system, we did demonstrate a significant difference in eye, ear, face, neck anomalies between vaccinated and not vaccinated groups (Table 3, Not vaccinated = 2.3%, Vaccinated = 3.3%, p-value 0.04) however we did not demonstrate this difference between the 1st trimester and not vaccinated groups (Not vaccinated = 2.3%, 1st Trimester = 2.5%, p-value 0.77). No differences were found between not vaccinated, vaccinated, or 1st trimester vaccinated groups for any other organ systems. There were no differences in birthweight by gestational age, APGAR scores, incidence of NICU admission, or living status of the neonate by vaccination status. We add additional information regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination status and timing as it pertains to neonatal composite congenital anomalies, with no association demonstrated. Our findings agree with prior literature that COVID-19 vaccination is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes or small for gestational age neonates. Further research is needed to elucidate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and eye, ear, face, neck, anomalies.

Single-Cell Reconstruction and Mutation Enrichment Analysis Identifies Dysregulated Cardiomyocyte and Endothelial Cells in Congenital Heart Disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most prevalent neonatal congenital anomalies. To catalog the putative candidate CHD risk, we collected 16,349 variants (single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and Indels) impacting 8,308 genes in 3,166 CHD cases for a comprehensive meta-analysis. Using ACMG guidelines we excluded the 0.1% of benign/likely benign variants and resulting data set consisted of 83% predicted loss of function variants and 17% missense variants. Seventeen percent were de novo variants. A stepwise analysis identified 90 variant-enriched CHD genes, of which six (GPATCH1, NYNRIN, TCLD2, CEP95, MAP3K19 and TTC36) were novel candidate CHD genes. Single cell transcriptome cluster reconstruction analysis on six CHD tissues and four controls revealed upregulation of top 10 frequently mutated genes primarily in cardiomyocytes. NOTCH1 (highest number of variants) and MYH6 (highest number of recurrent variants) expression was elevated in endocardial cells and cardiomyocytes, respectively, and 60% of these gene variants were associated with tetralogy of Fallot and coarctation of the aorta, respectively. Pseudobulk analysis using single cell transcriptome, revealed significant (p<0.05) upregulation of both NOTCH1 (endocardial cells) and MYH6 (cardiomyocytes) in the control heart data. We observed nine different subpopulations of CHD heart cardiomyocytes of which only four were observed in the control heart. This is the first comprehensive meta-analysis combining genomics and CHD single cell transcriptomics, identifying the most frequently mutated CHD genes, and demonstrating CHD gene heterogeneity, suggesting that multiple genes contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of CHD. Cardiomyocytes and endocardial cells are identified as major CHD-related cell types.

Diuretic use in pregnancy: data from the ESC Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC)

Abstract Background Data on diuretic use during pregnancy are limited and show varying results. Therefore, it remains unsure whether they can be safely used. Purpose Our study aims to evaluate the perinatal outcomes after in-utero diuretic exposure. Methods The Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC) is a prospective, global registry of pregnancies in women with structural heart disease. Outcomes were compared between women who used diuretics during pregnancy versus those who did not. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of diuretic use on the occurrence of congenital abnormalities and fetal growth, after adjustment for potential confounders. Results Diuretics were used in 382 (6.7%) of the 5739 ROPAC pregnancies, most often furosemide (n=332, 86%). Women who used diuretics during pregnancy, compared to those without, were older (30.9 vs 29.4 years; p&amp;lt;0.001), had a higher BMI (25.3 vs 23.9 kg/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001), were more likely to live in a low-middle income country (63.1% vs 38.1%; p&amp;lt;0.001), and more likely to have chronic hypertension (9.9% vs 6.4%; p=0.007), atrial fibrillation/flutter (7.1% vs 1.5%; p&amp;lt;0.001), signs of heart failure (27.2% vs 9.2%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and/or an estimated LVEF below 40% (19.9% vs 3.3%; &amp;lt;0.001). Diuretic use during the first trimester was not independently associated with fetal or neonatal congenital abnormalities (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.66-2.55). After adjustment for confounders, diuretic use during pregnancy was not independently associated with small for gestational age (OR 1.36; 95% CI 0.97-1.91). Conclusions Based on our data, diuretics can be used safely during pregnancy and discontinuation of diuretics prior or during pregnancy in women with appropriate indication seems not to be necessary. However, for treatment of systemic hypertension, alternative antihypertensive agents with more safety data regarding perinatal outcomes, such as labetalol or nifedipine, are preferred.

Early cumulus cell removal increases cumulative live birth rate while having no negative effect on the malformation rate in in vitro fertilization: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early cumulus cell removal (ECCR) during human in vitro fertilization (IVF). A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2011 and December 2019. The study enrolled 1131 couples who underwent IVF treatment with ECCR. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 1131 couples who underwent overnight coincubation of gametes were selected. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures included the cumulative pregnancy rate, polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, malformation rate, time to live birth, and oocyte-to-baby rate. There were no significant differences found between the two groups in the polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, time to live birth, oocyte-to-baby rate, and neonatal congenital anomalies rate. The results of the study showed that ECCR was associated with a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, along with a significantly lower fertilization rate. ECCR tended to confer increased cumulative live birth rate and had no negative effect on the neonatal malformation rate.

Prevalence and Clinical Presentation of Congenital Anomalies in Neonates

Prevalence and Clinical Presentation of Congenital Anomalies in Neonates

Spectrum of Congenital Malformations in Neonates at a Rural Teaching Hospital — A Cross Sectional Observational Study

Introduction: The global estimates of congenital anomalies in neonates are 6% and few of them are severe enough to cause death. According to World Health Organization (WHO), congenital anomalies attribute to 17-42% of the infant mortality. Apart from causing death, they also contribute to preterm births, childhood and adult mortality, with significant repercussions in families. With the advancement of technology, there has been a decrease in the number of deaths due to other causes and there has been an increasing concern about congenital anomalies. This calls for an inquiry into the recent burden of congenital anomalies and their associated risk factors. Hence, the study was carried out. Objectives: 1. To assess the frequency and pattern of congenital anomalies. 2. To determine the factors associated with congenital anomalies. Materials &amp; methods: This is an observational study which included all live born neonates with congenital anomaly/ies admitted to R L Jalappa Hospital (RLJH) and still born neonates or aborti with congenital anomaly/ies delivered in RLJH during the study period. A detailed history of the study participants was taken, and all the anomalies were coded as per the ICD coding system. For still born babies, aborti and neonatal deaths, infantogram, gross autopsy and histopathological examination findings were noted. Statistical analysis: Data was analysed using “Microsoft excel sheet” and the analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-16) software. Significance was defined as p&lt;0.05. Results: Our hospital had 2,400 deliveries during the study period, out of which the frequency of congenital anomalies was 1.3%. As per the associated risk factors, 66.6% of the babies had no associated risk factors while the remaining 33.4% of the babies had an associated risk factor. Most commonly seen risk factor in the study was 3rd degree consanguinity (11.1%). As per the system involved, Musculoskeletal system involvement was seen in the majority (63.9%) of the neonates, followed by Cardiovascular system in 11.1%, Central Nervous System (CNS) in 8.3%, Genital system in 8.3%, Lymphatic system in 5.6%, Gastrointestinal system in 2.8%, Cutaneous in 2.8%, Oral cavity in 2.8% and syndromic anomaly in 2.8%. Conclusion: The prevalence of congenital anomalies is considerably high and increasing the awareness to prevent them is the need of the hour. Appropriate consideration should be given to reducing the risk factors and genetic counseling should be provided to parents with high risk. Keywords: Congenital malformations, Neonates, Congenital anomalies

Effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic radiation on pregnancy outcome: A meta-analysis.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic radiation (ELF-EMF) are generated by electrical devices and power systems (1 to 300 Hz). Although several studies have demonstrated that ELF-EMF may beassociated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, other studies have shown no evidence of associations. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation on pregnancy outcomes. The following electronic bibliographic databases were searched to identify relevant studies: PubMed, Web Of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, EBSCO. In addition, the manual retrieval of relevant references was conducted as a supplement. Select all eligible studies published from Database construction library to March 10, 2021. Search type for queue research on influence of electromagnetic field radiation on pregnancy results. Data were screened and extracted independently by two researchers. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. There was no significant increase in the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and preterm delivery in the pregnant women who lived near the electromagnetic fields compared with the control group. Conclusions: No correlation has been found between maternal ELF-EMF exposure and miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal birth defects and preterm delivery, while the effects on small gestational age and low birth weight are still uncertain. Related research with high-quality large samples and different regions are still needed for further verification.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnancies With Periviable and Previable Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes [ID: 1380561

INTRODUCTION: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) accounts for one-third of preterm deliveries and is associated with significant perinatal morbidity. Neonatal resuscitation has been extended to earlier gestational ages, including for patients with PPROM, but maternal and neonatal outcomes are not well characterized. Our objective is to compare outcomes after PPROM diagnosis prior to viability (23 weeks 0 days) or in the periviable period (23–25 weeks). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 101 pregnancies and 112 neonates from July 2015 to May 2018 were identified by maternal ICD-9/10 codes for PPROM. Exclusion criteria include PPROM greater than 24 weeks 6 days and neonatal congenital anomalies. Detailed chart review was performed. Patients were stratified by gestational age (GA) at PPROM and groups were compared according to GA. Chi-square test was used for dichotomous variables and t test for continuous variables. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. RESULTS: 27.9% of patients who elected for expectant management delivered after viability (23 weeks 0 days or later). Neonatal death was greater after delivery from pregnancies with previable PPROM in comparison to periviable PPROM with similar gestational age at birth, P=.005. The composite adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in 100% of neonates born after previable PPROM. Maternal outcomes were elevated with both previable and periviable PPROM who elected for expectant management (52.4% versus 35.3%, NS). The maternal morbidity rate after termination of pregnancy was significantly less (26.9%) (P=.047). CONCLUSION: Previable PPROM is associated with higher neonatal death rates, despite similar GA at delivery in comparison to periviable PPROM. Maternal morbidity is high with both previable and periviable PPROM.

Early Cumulus Cell Removal Increases Cumulative Live Birth Rate while Having No Negative Effect on the Malformation Rate in In vitro Fertilization: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early cumulus cell removal (ECCR) during human in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2011 and December 2019. The study enrolled 1,131 couples who underwent IVF treatment with ECCR. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 1,131 couples who underwent overnight coincubation of gametes were selected. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures included the cumulative pregnancy rate, polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, malformation rate, time to live birth, and oocyte-to-baby rate. Results: There were no significant differences found between the two groups in the polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, time to live birth, oocyte-to-baby rate, and neonatal congenital anomalies rate. The results of the study showed that ECCR was associated with a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, along with a significantly lower fertilization rate. Conclusion: ECCR tended to confer increased cumulative live birth rate and had no negative effect on the neonatal malformation rate.

Developing an Appropriate Evolutionary Baseline Model for the Study of Human Cytomegalovirus.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) represents a major threat to human health, contributing to both birth defects in neonates as well as organ transplant failure and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. HCMV exhibits considerable interhost and intrahost diversity, which likely influences the pathogenicity of the virus. Therefore, understanding the relative contributions of various evolutionary forces in shaping patterns of variation is of critical importance both mechanistically and clinically. Herein, we present the individual components of an evolutionary baseline model for HCMV, with a particular focus on congenital infections for the sake of illustration-including mutation and recombination rates, the distribution of fitness effects, infection dynamics, and compartmentalization-and describe the current state of knowledge of each. By building this baseline model, researchers will be able to better describe the range of possible evolutionary scenarios contributing to observed variation as well as improve power and reduce false-positive rates when scanning for adaptive mutations in the HCMV genome.

Prevalence, Pattern, and Outcome of Congenital Anomalies Admitted to a Neonatal Unit in a Low-Income Country—a Ten-Year Retrospective Study

ObjectiveThe incidence of congenital abnormalities is highest in low-and-middle-income countries. However, the prevalence, spectrum, trends of neonatal congenital anomalies and their admission outcomes have not been well explored. This study was a 10 year retrospective hospital-based research in a low-income country to address the above.MethodsAll infants hospitalized in the Special Care Baby Unit at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana, between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2019, had their demographic, obstetric, and clinical data recorded.ResultsOver the decade, 236 neonates with congenital abnormalities were admitted to the unit, accounting for 2.8% of total neonatal admissions and 8.6 per 1000 births. Mortality occurred in 33.2% of neonates with congenital abnormalities, corresponding to 4.6% of all neonatal deaths. Mortality was significantly associated with place of delivery and gravidity of more than five. The commonest anomalies were in the nervous system, particularly neural tube defects, followed by suspected chromosomal abnormalities and then cardiac defects. Neonates with cardiac defects had a higher chance of dying. Health center/clinic delivery proffered a better survival than hospital delivery, but this should be interpreted with caution.ConclusionNeural tube defects were the most predominant anomalies; hence, intensification of preconception and antenatal folic acid supplementation is pivotal towards their reduction. Making prenatal screening for early detection of fetal anomalies an integral part of routine antenatal care is also essential. This research was conducted in a single center and did not include stillbirths and abortions so cannot give an accurate estimation of the number of congenital abnormalities in the population. A national registry of congenital anomalies is recommended.

INCIDENCE OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES ASSOCIATED WITH OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS- A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF RURAL MAHARASHTRA

Background: 3rd trimester Oligohydramnios is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcome. Oligohydramnios is associated with congenital anomalies of genitourinary system, dehydration, preeclampsia, placental abruption etc.The more frequent malformations associated with oligohydramnios were urinary, musculoskeletal, digestive and cardiac.(1) Objective: To nd the incidence of congenital anomalies in neonates born to mother diagnosed with oligohydramnios in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Method: The present prospective study was conducted in department of Pediatrics, Dr.Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni. All the babies born to mother diagnosed with oligohydramnios in the 3rd trimester of the pregnancy were included and on 4th day of life USG abdomen and kidney, ureter and bladder and 2D ECHO were done to diagnose congenital anomalies. IUD and Still birth babies were excluded. Time period: July 2021 to November 2022 Results: Among 100 cases studied,14(14%) cases have congenital anomalies, out of which 7 (7%) were involving renal system and 7 (7%) were involving other systems. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that careful fetal examination has to be performed when oligohydramnios is diagnosed as congenital malformations are often associated with oligohydramnios

Clinical characteristics of anorectal malformations in Taiwan: A single-center retrospective chart review

Abstract Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are common neonatal congenital anomalies. The prognosis of ARM patients is highly variable, and the condition itself can exert substantial psychological burdens on the parents. Thus, it is of paramount importance to raise awareness about the disease and appropriate management. Objectives: To characterize the spectrum of clinical presentation and outcome of ARMs. Methods: The present retrospective study retrieved the records of patients with ARMs admitted at a teaching hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Results: Seven children (two were males [28.57%]) with ARMs were included. Of them, three and four patients had high (42.86%) and low (57.14%) defects, respectively. Four patients (57%) had associated congenital heart disease and urogenital anomalies, and two patients (28.57%) had developmental delays. Constipation was the main clinical presentation (100%). Overall, there were no associations between gestational age, delivery modes, birth weight, associated cardiac and urogenital anomalies, constipation, body weight &lt;3rd percentile, abdominal pain, VACTERL syndrome, and Down syndrome, and the levels of ARM. Surgical correction was successful in all patients with an uneventful postoperative period. Conclusion: Patients with ARMs usually present with associated congenital anomalies, which can significantly impact the disease prognosis. Improvements in the surgical management of ARMs have led to a high success rate and optimal postoperative outcomes. Given the negative impact of the delayed diagnosis on ARM outcomes, it is crucial to increase the awareness of the presentation and adequate management of the condition, as well as the importance of perineal examination of all newborns at birth.