PREVALENCE OF FETAL CONGENITAL ANOMALIES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING TIKRIT TEACHING HOSPITAL

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Medical Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital anomalies, encompassing structural or functional defects at birth, present a growing global health concern.
• These conditions pose significant clinical challenges related to patient care, management, and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the types and frequencies of congenital anomalies in newborns within Tikrit governorate, Iraq.
• To identify the most prevalent categories of birth defects in the studied population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 180 newborn medical records was conducted.
• Infants admitted post-birth due to diagnosed congenital anomalies were included in the study.
• Frequencies of anomalies across different body systems were calculated and compared.

Main Results:

• Central nervous system anomalies were the most frequent, accounting for 40% of cases.
• Musculoskeletal (22%), gastrointestinal (16%), and cardiac (11%) anomalies were also significant.
• Anomalies of the eye, face, ear, and skin each represented 7% of the total.

Conclusions:

• The central nervous system is the most commonly affected area by congenital anomalies in Tikrit, Iraq.
• Understanding the frequency and distribution of these defects is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Further investigation into causative factors is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.