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A description of congenital anomalies among infants in Entebbe, Uganda
Juliet Ndibazza1, Swaib Lule, Margaret Nampijja
1MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda. Juliet.Ndibazza@mrcuganda.org
Insights
Congenital anomalies, or birth defects, are common in Uganda. This study highlights the need for better data collection to improve public health strategies for prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Limited data exists on congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Reliable data is crucial for public health surveillance and intervention strategies.
- This study focuses on a birth cohort in Entebbe, Uganda.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the profile of congenital anomalies in a Ugandan birth cohort.
- To determine the prevalence and patterns of birth defects in the region.
- To inform public health planning and resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- Congenital anomalies defined as structural defects present at birth.
- Pregnant women recruited to a cohort between 2003-2005.
- Defects recorded at birth, 6-week postnatal visit, and up to 1 year; classified using ICD-10.
Main Results:
- 180 infants (76.1 per 1000 births) had congenital anomalies out of 2365 births.
- Most common affected systems: musculoskeletal (42.7/1000) and skin (16.1/1000).
- Prevalence of major anomalies: 20.3/1000; cardiac: 1.7/1000; neural: 1.3/1000.
Conclusions:
- Congenital anomalies represent a significant public health concern in developing countries.
- Establishing comprehensive databases is vital for surveillance, prevention, and management.
- Improved data collection can aid in planning healthcare services and monitoring environmental exposures.
Background:
Data on congenital anomalies from developing countries of the sub-Saharan region are scarce. However, it is important to have comprehensive and reliable data on the description and prevalence of congenital anomalies to allow surveillance and the implementation of appropriate public health strategies for prevention and management. In this study, we describe the profile of congenital anomalies seen in a birth cohort in Entebbe, Uganda.
Methods:
Congenital anomalies were defined as any structural defect present at birth. Pregnant women were recruited to the cohort between 2003 and 2005. Defects present at birth were recorded by the midwife at delivery and by physicians at the routine six-week postnatal visit and at illness-related visits until 1 year of life. The anomalies were classified by organ system according to the 10th version of the World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
Results:
There were 180 infants with a congenital anomaly among 2365 births. The most commonly affected systems were the musculoskeletal (42.7 per 1000 births) and skin (16.1 per 1000 births). The prevalence of major anomalies was 20.3 per 1000 births; 1.7 per 1000 births for cardiac anomalies and 1.3 per 1000 births for neural system anomalies. Forty (22%) of the congenital anomalies were identified at birth, 131 (73%) at the 6-week postnatal visit, and nine (5%) at illness-related visits.
Conclusion:
Congenital anomalies are common in developing countries. Establishment of comprehensive databases for surveillance would be helpful for surveillance of effects of new exposures, for prevention, management, and health care planning.
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