Congenital anomalies: Prospective study of pattern and associated risk factors in infants presenting toa tertiary hospital in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria

Background: Contemporary understanding of the pattern of congenital anomalies is both important in its clinical management as well as in improving the overall health of the community. Methodology: All infants presenting from January to December 2102 at the centre were prospectively studied. Results:...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nigerian journal of paediatrics Vol. 44; no. 2; pp. 76 - 80
Main Authors:	Ekwunife OH OH, Okoli CC, Ugwu JO, Modekwe VI, Ekwesianya AC
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Paediatric Association of Nigeria 01-07-2024
Subjects:	anambra birth defects congenital disorder epidemiology malformations nigeria risk factors
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Background: Contemporary understanding of the pattern of congenital anomalies is both important in its clinical management as well as in improving the overall health of the community. Methodology: All infants presenting from January to December 2102 at the centre were prospectively studied. Results: A total of 5010 infants were screened, of which 108 have congenital anomalies giving a prevalence of 2.2%. Major anomalies were noted in 101 (93.5%) infants. Only two (1.9%) were preterm. Consanguineous relationship was observed in 2 (1.9%) cases. Pre natal Ultrasound scan was done in 33(30.8%), but in only 7 (6.5%) was any anomaly detected Onitsha, a densely populated urban area contributed 45(42%) of the cases. Only 7(6.5%) of the mothers took herbal prescriptions in the first trimester of pregnancy. Risk of anomaly progressively rises, reaching a peak of 48% in the maternal age group of 26-30 years and drops steadily after. Gastrointestinal tract anomalies were most common (no. =28, 25.9%). Residences close to dump sites, telecom masts/base stations, electricity cables, industries and heavy motorised highways contributed to risk factors in 9-12 % of cases. Conclusion: More of younger mothers were affected with gastro intestinal malformations predominating. The location of home environment is a potential risk factor that will require further characterisation.
ISSN:	0302-4660 2814-2985