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Congenital anomalies in neonates in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt
Heba ElAwady1, Alkasem AlGameel1, Tamer Ragab2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University Hospitals, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
Insights
Congenital anomalies (CAs) affect 7.4% of neonates in Fayoum, with cardiovascular and musculoskeletal defects being most common. Risk factors include consanguinity and rural residence, highlighting the need for improved antenatal care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital anomalies (CAs) represent a significant global health concern, with an estimated worldwide incidence of 3-7%.
- These birth defects are a leading cause of neonatal mortality, contributing to approximately 25% of all infant deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and classification of congenital anomalies in neonates within Fayoum Governorate.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of congenital anomalies in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1000 infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units and outpatient clinics at Fayoum University Hospital and Fayoum General Hospital.
- Data collection included detailed patient history, clinical examinations, and relevant investigations between August 2017 and April 2018.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of congenital anomalies (CAs) was found to be 7.4%, with major malformations comprising 78.4% of cases.
- The most frequently observed anomalies were cardiovascular (32.4%), musculoskeletal (18.9%), and chromosomal (10.8%).
- A significant proportion of affected neonates (82.4%) were from rural areas, and 85.1% were born full-term.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and chromosomal anomalies were the predominant types of CAs identified in the study cohort.
- Key risk factors associated with CAs included positive consanguinity, inadequate antenatal clinic attendance, rural residency, and high parity.
- These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and improved maternal healthcare access in Fayoum Governorate.
Background:
The worldwide incidence of congenital anomalies (CAs) is estimated at 3-7%, but actual numbers vary widely among countries. Birth defects are the most common causes of infantile mortality, accounting for ~25% of all neonatal deaths.
Aims:
To determine the prevalence of congenital anomalies in neonates in Fayoum Governorate; to classify malformations; and to clarify the association between congenital anomalies and possible risk factors.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient clinics of Fayoum University Hospital and Fayoum General Hospital during August 2017 to April 2018. Detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were performed.
Results:
The prevalence of CAs was 7.4%. Major malformations accounted for 78.4% and minor malformations 21.6%. The most common CAs involved the cardiovascular system (32.4%), followed by musculoskeletal anomalies (18.9%), chromosomal anomalies (10.8%), anomalies of the central nervous system (9.5%), gastrointestinal tract (6.8%), genital system (5.4%), eyes, head and neck (5.4%), respiratory system (4.1%), multisystems (2 or more) (4.1%), and renal and urinary systems (2.7%). 82.4% of cases were from rural areas, 62.1% were male, 36.5% were female and 1.4% were ambiguous. 85.1% of neonates with malformations were full term.
Conclusion:
Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and chromosomal anomalies were the most common CAs in our study. Positive consanguinity, poor attendance at antenatal clinics, rural residence and multiparty were the most common risk factors associated with CAs.
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