PREVALENCE, OUTCOME AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS IN NEONATES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL -A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.01.389

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is a high burden of congenital anomalies worldwide and more so in

the developing countries. These birth defects contribute significantly to the neonatal mortality

rate in our country, which is one of the highest globally. Addressing and identifying the risk

factors for these conditions is imperative for their prevention .OBJECTIVE: this study was

done to determine the prevalence of congenital malformations and the risk factors associated

with them. METHODOLOGY: this cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out at the

Pediatric unit of Ziauddin Hospital from 1st January 2020 till 1st January 2023.Data was extracted

from the electronic health records and entered on a pre-designed proforma. Information

regarding maternal risk factors , antenatal visits ,neonatal characteristics and type of congenital

anomalies was noted .Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and expressed as frequencies

and percentages and chi square test was applied with P-value of <0.05 considered statistically

significant. RESULTS :The prevalence of congenital malformations was 4.5%.Anomalies

related to the central nervous system were the highest ,followed by cardiac birth defects .A

smaller percentage undertook regular antenatal visits and folic acid supplementation. Family

history of birth defects is a significant risk factor. CONCLUSION: Congenital malformations

are a frequent occurrence in our set up .Effective antenatal care and screening are the cornerstone

of preventing these disorders.