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Major congenital malformations among paediatric admissions at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
A A Adeyemo1, C M Okolo, O O Omotade
1Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
This study reports on major congenital malformations in Nigerian children, finding cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastro-intestinal issues most common. High mortality rates were observed for specific conditions like oesophageal atresia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital malformations are a significant global health concern, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding the patterns of these malformations is crucial for targeted interventions and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological pattern of major congenital malformations in admitted children at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- To identify the most common malformations and those with the highest case fatality rates.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of pediatric admissions over a 5-year period.
- Data collection included patient demographics, malformation type, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastro-intestinal malformations constituted 71.6% of cases.
- Congenital heart lesions, spina bifida, anorectal malformation, and omphalocoele were the most frequent.
- Oesophageal atresia, hydrocephalus, biliary atresia, and posterior urethral valve had the highest mortality rates, with an overall mortality of 19.4%.
Conclusions:
- Congenital malformations present a substantial burden in Nigeria, with specific systems disproportionately affected.
- Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies are vital in developing countries to inform public health strategies for congenital anomalies.
Abstract:
The pattern of major congenital malformations seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria among admitted children over a period of 5 years is reported. Their ages at presentation ranged from a few hours to 13 years, and the majority (72.7%) presented in infancy. The male:female ratio was 1.6:1. Cardiovascular, central nervous and gastro-intestinal malformations accounted for 71.6% of all malformations. The commonest individual system malformations were congenital heart lesions, spina bifida, anorectal malformation and omphalocoele, while the highest case fatality rates were recorded in cases of oesophageal atresia, hydrocephalus, biliary atresia and posterior urethral valve. Overall mortality was 19.4%. The importance of both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of congenital malformations in developing countries, while infectious diseases and malnutrition are being controlled, is emphasized.