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Published on: November 20, 2015
Persistence of perinatal mortality due to congenital malformations in resource-poor settings
Insights
Major congenital malformations (MCM) contribute to perinatal mortality (PM), with trends showing a decrease in overall MCM impact but an increase in congenital heart disease deaths. Early diagnosis is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Major congenital malformations (MCM) cause significant life-threatening conditions in newborns annually.
- Perinatal mortality (PM) remains a critical concern, with MCM being a contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in perinatal mortality (PM) attributed to major congenital malformations (MCM) over 24 years.
- To identify preventive strategies for MCM-related perinatal deaths in a rural setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of perinatal death records due to MCM over a 24-year period.
- Categorization of deaths into stillbirths and neonatal deaths.
- Trend analysis of MCM contribution to PM and specific anomaly types over time.
Main Results:
- A total of 346 perinatal deaths (PD) were attributed to MCM, representing 8.3% of all PD.
- A decreasing trend in the contribution of MCM to PM was observed (9.52% to 6.95%).
- Nervous system anomalies showed a decreasing trend (3.76% to 2.02%), while congenital heart disease showed an increasing trend (0.87% to 6.94%).
Conclusions:
- While overall MCM contribution to PM is decreasing, specific conditions like congenital heart disease are rising.
- Implementing systems for early MCM diagnosis during gestation is essential for potential interventions.
- Continued research into the prevention of congenital anomalies is vital.
Abstract:
Every year, half a million babies are born with malformations, one-third of these life-threatening. The present study aims at analysing trends of perinatal mortality (PM) due to major congenital malformations (MCM) at a rural institute, for preventive possibilities. Records of all perinatal deaths due to MCM over 24 years were analysed. Perinatal deaths (PD) due to MCM were 346; overall 8.3% of PD (287 (82.94%) stillbirths; 59 (17.06%) neonatal deaths). There was a decreasing trend of contribution of MCM to PM: 9.52% in Block A to 6.95% in Block H; 26.87% of PD were due to nervous system anomalies: 3.76% in Block A to 2.02% in Block H. PM due to congenital heart disease increased from 0.87% in Block A to 6.94% in Block H. It is essential that a system exists to diagnose MCM at a gestation when abortion is possible. Research for prevention of anomalies needs to be continued.
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