Spectrum of Congenital Malformations in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe: A Ten-Year Review

Congenital malformations remain a leading cause of death in the neonatal period. The incidences of Congenital Malformations have been reported in other parts of Nigeria but there is paucity of data on Congenital Malformations in North-Eastern Nigeria. This review aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of Congenital Malformations in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria.

A retrospective review of records of all patients admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe who had a diagnosis of Congenital Malformations over a period of ten years (May 29, 2000-May 29, 2010) was carried out.

Out of the 3,744 admissions during the period, 219 had congenital malformations, but 4 patients did not have complete information and were excluded from analysis. Two hundred and fifteen (215) were analyzed giving a prevalence of 5.7%. Among the subjects, 131(60.9%) were male and 84 (39.1%) female giving a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Majority 110 (51.2%) of patients with congenital malformations were of Fulani ethnic group, followed by Hausa 39(18.1%). Neural tube defects were the commonest 95 (45.1%), while abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system were the lowest 4(1.9%). Outcome of the patients managed revealed that 131(61.2%) were discharged, 51(23.8%) died while 32(15.0%) signed and left against medical advice.

The findings suggest that congenital malformations are common in Gombe, Neural tube defects were the commonest congenital malformations seen in this study and Fulanis were the most affected.