Publication:

The incidence of congenital malformations at birth and mid-trimester abortions and possible etiological factors in Pune camp, Maharashtra, India

Background The leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality in poorer countries are malnutrition and whereas in developed countries they are accidents, cancer, and congenital malformations. The aim of the study was to find out the incidence of congenital malformations at birth and mid-trimester abortion. The objective of the study was to elucidate and evaluate the possible etiological factors in the studied group.

Methods An Observational study was carried out at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Tertiary Care Hospital at Pune over a period of two years. Total of 98 mid-trimester abortions and 4450 live births were examined to look for visible congenital anomalies and associated etiological factors in studied group.

Results The incidence of congenital malformation in mid-trimester abortions was 50% (49/98) and in live births was 1.32% (59/4450). Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies were most common in mid-trimester abortions and cardiovascular (CVS) anomalies were in live births. Possible etiological factors were the lack of folic acid supplementation and maternal diabetes.

Conclusions CNS anomalies were most common in mid-trimester abortions and CVS anomalies were most common in live births. There is need for improve in diagnostics modalities to detect malformations at earliest and avoid morbidity and mortality burden.