[Epidemiologic study of visible congenital malformations in Zaire]

This retrospective study over an 11-year period revealed 79 cases of visible congenital malformations in a total of 64,777 deliveries (prevalence 1.2%). No aetiological feature was demonstrated. In contrast to data from the literature, the maternal age most involved was between 20 and 35 years and the pregnancy affected most often appeared to be the first. A past history of malformations and miscarriage was rare and difficult to assess because of the retrospective nature of the study. The commonest special features of the pregnancy were breech presentation (present in almost all cases of cranial abnormalities), foetal distress, dysgravidism and prematurity. The child with an external malformation is often born dead or dying and the organs most affected are the nervous and locomotor systems.