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Congenital malformations--a retrospective study of 10,000 cases
1Department of Pediatrics, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana.
Insights
Congenital malformations occurred in 3.6% of births, with central nervous system defects being most common. Risk increased with lower birth weight and shorter gestation, linked to maternal health factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Congenital malformations represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding their prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of congenital malformations in a large birth cohort.
- To identify the predominant affected systems and associated maternal and fetal factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10,000 consecutive births between January 1983 and March 1989.
- Data collection on malformation types, gestational age, birth weight, and maternal history.
Main Results:
- Overall malformation rate was 3.6%, with central nervous system (CNS) defects being most prevalent.
- Major malformations accounted for 79.7% of cases. Malformations were four times more frequent in stillbirths.
- Increased risk observed with decreased gestation and birth weight. Maternal factors like drug intake, diabetes, and pre-eclampsia were significantly correlated.
Conclusions:
- Congenital malformations are significantly influenced by gestational age, birth weight, and maternal health status.
- Early identification and intervention strategies targeting these risk factors are warranted.
- Further research into specific etiological pathways for CNS malformations is recommended.
Abstract:
The frequency of congenital malformations in a retrospective study done on 10,000 consecutive births from January 1983 to March 1989 was 3.6%. The predominant system involved was CNS. Major malformations constituted 79.7% of the total. Malformations were seen 4 times more often among still births. The common malformations in still births were also of CNS. The frequency of malformations was similar in both the sexes, though genitourinary anomalies were commoner among male, while anencephaly in female babies. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of congenital malformations was observed with decreasing gestation and birth weight. There was a significant correlation between maternal factors, like previous abortions, drug intake and fever during 1st trimester, diabetes mellitus, pre-eclamptic toxemia, antepartum hemorrhage and congenital malformations in the baby.