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A survey of serious congenital morphological abnormalities in Abu Dhabi

S T Al-Jawad1, A I Shubbar, N A Khafaji

  • 1Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Insights

Severe congenital abnormalities occur in 12.9/1000 newborns, with variations in type and distribution compared to other studies. Notably, the incidence of spina bifida and encephaloceles was found to be lower.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Congenital abnormalities represent a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Previous surveys indicate variability in abnormality types and incidences across regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and types of severe congenital abnormalities diagnosed within the first week of life.
  • To compare these findings with existing epidemiological data.
  • To investigate specific trends, such as the occurrence of neural tube defects.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection of live births within the initial seven days of life.
  • Standardized diagnostic criteria for classifying severe congenital abnormalities.
  • Epidemiological analysis to calculate incidence rates and compare with literature.

Main Results:

  • The overall incidence of severe congenital abnormalities was 12.9 per 1000 live births.
  • This overall incidence aligns with previously reported figures.
  • A lower incidence of spina bifida and encephaloceles (0.54/1000) was observed compared to other geographical areas.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of severe congenital abnormalities is consistent with general population data.
  • Significant regional variations exist in the types and distribution of these abnormalities.
  • The reduced occurrence of spina bifida and encephaloceles warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors.

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