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Genitourinary tract anomalies: neonatal medical problems
M Moretti1, C Magnani, E Calzolari
1Istituto di Puericultura e Medicina Neonatale, Università di Parma, Italia.
Insights
A large survey of newborns identified genitourinary malformations, including hypospadias linked to progestogen exposure. Antenatal ultrasound detection of urinary tract anomalies significantly improved by 1984.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- A multicentric survey was conducted in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy between 1978 and 1984.
- The study focused on examining newborns within their first week of life to identify congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence of genitourinary malformations in a large cohort of newborns.
- To investigate potential associations between specific malformations (hypospadias, urinary tract anomalies) and maternal factors or exposures.
- To assess the diagnostic efficacy of antenatal ultrasound for urinary tract anomalies over time.
Main Methods:
- A total of 103,484 babies were examined during the first week of life.
- Data on detected anomalies, including genitourinary malformations, were collected and analyzed.
- Specific attention was given to cases of hypospadias and urinary tract malformations, with review of maternal history for progestogen exposure and other factors.
- The detection rates of urinary tract anomalies by antenatal ultrasound were compared for periods before and after 1983.
Main Results:
- Overall, 1,914 babies had detected anomalies, with 326 having genitourinary malformations.
- Hypospadias was diagnosed in 214 cases, with a reported history of maternal progestogen exposure for threatened abortion or intrauterine growth retardation, and early menarche.
- Ninety-one cases of urinary tract malformations were identified, with 66 being isolated findings.
- Antenatal ultrasound detected only 25% of urinary tract anomalies until 1983, but this increased to 70% in 1984.
Conclusions:
- Genitourinary malformations represent a significant proportion of congenital anomalies in newborns.
- Maternal progestogen exposure may be associated with hypospadias.
- Antenatal ultrasound has shown a marked improvement in detecting urinary tract anomalies, highlighting advancements in diagnostic capabilities.
Abstract:
The results of a multicentric survey in the Emilia-Romagna area from 1978 to 1984 are given. During the first week of life, 103,484 babies were examined. Anomalies were detected in 1,914 babies, 326 of which had genitourinary malformations. There were 214 cases of hypospadias with a history of exposure to progestogens for threatened abortion, intrauterine growth retardation and early maternal menarche. Ninety-one cases of urinary tract malformations were found and in 66 babies this was the only anomaly. Until 1983 antenatal ultrasound examinations detected only 25% of urinary tract anomalies. In 1984 this figure climbed to 70%.