[The newborn infant with a suspected malformation syndrome]

Congenital malformations occur in 2-3% of live births, and often represent a special diagnostic and management challenge. Few clinical guidelines exist to assist the neonatologist in the approach to diagnosis and initial management of the malformed newborn. To provide optimal care for these children, one must employ a systematic approach to identify the likely pathogenic mechanism leading to the birth defects present. Determining how distinct anomalies relate to one another may lead to elucidation of a specific genetic etiology for the patient's condition. Genetic testing is increasingly available to allow for diagnostic confirmation. Using this systematic approach to a child with congenital anomalies permits accurate prognostic and recurrence risk counseling, informed management decisions, and the appropriate allocation of social support and medical resources.