Publication:

Pattern of congenital malformations in newborn: a hospital-based study

Background Data on congenital malformations from developing countries like India are very few. However, it is important to have comprehensive and reliable data on the description and frequency of congenital malformations to allow surveillance and the implementation of appropriate public health strategies for prevention and management. In this study, we describe the pattern of congenital malformations seen in newborns delivered in tertiary care hospital of western Maharashtra. The objective was to study various newborn characteristics and to determine the frequency and pattern of congenital malformations at birth. Cross-sectional study conducted in Govt Medical College and Hospital Miraj, a tertiary care hospital in district of Maharashtra from June 2014 to November 2014 targeting all newborns delivered in hospital during study period.

Methods Data was collected by administering a semi structured questionnaire and a devised newborn screening clinical examination protocol.

Results Out of all 892 newborns (live births and still births), 24(2.69%) were having congenital malformations at birth and out of that, malformations involving circulatory system was highest i.e. 29.6% compared to other system.

Conclusions As compared to other studies circulatory disorders appear to be more common and by improvement in antenatal, postnatal diagnosis, early referral to tertiary hospital and early intervention most of these newborns can be saved.