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Congenital malformations in Shimla
1Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
Insights
Congenital malformations occurred in 1.78% of 10,100 births. Stillborn babies had a significantly higher incidence (15.1%) of birth defects compared to live births (1.3%).
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Congenital malformations represent a significant global health concern, impacting infant mortality and morbidity.
- Understanding the incidence and patterns of these defects is crucial for public health initiatives and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of congenital malformations in a tertiary care hospital setting.
- To identify risk factors associated with congenital malformations, including stillbirths and maternal characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing 10,100 consecutive births (including stillbirths) over five years.
- Data collection included birth outcomes, malformation types, maternal age, gravida, and birth weight.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of congenital malformations was 1.78%.
- Stillborn babies exhibited a higher incidence (15.1%) compared to live births (1.3%).
- Central nervous system defects were most common (40%), followed by musculoskeletal (23.8%). Higher incidence observed in mothers >35 years, gravida four+, and low birth weight babies (<2500g).
Conclusions:
- Congenital malformations pose a significant risk, particularly in stillbirths.
- Maternal age, high gravida, and low birth weight are associated risk factors.
- Further research into specific malformation types and prevention strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
Congenital malformations were studied over a period of five years in 10,100 consecutive births including still births at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Out of these, 180 babies had one or the other congenital malformations and the overall incidence was 1.78%. Amongst the 311 still born babies 47 had congenital malformations indicating that the incidence of congenital malformations was much higher in still born babies (15.1%) as compared to the live born babies (1.3%). The malformations involving the central nervous system were the commonest (40%) followed by musculoskeletal system (23.8%) while genitourinary system malformations were the least common and accounted for 3.8% of the cases. Incidence of congenital malformations was the highest in mothers over 35 years of age and gravida four and more. The incidence was 2.8% in both the groups; the incidence of congenital malformation was more in babies weighing < 2500 gms and was 2.6%.