Congenital Malformations As Seen In a Tertiary Health Care Facility in North West, Nigeria

Omar M, Onankpa B, Adamu A, Isezuo KO and Akintunde O

Published on: 2024-09-08

Abstract

Background: Congenital malformations contribute significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and presentation of these anomalies vary from place to place. The etiology of congenital malformation is multifactorial and includes genetic factors, errors of morphogenesis, maternal infections and environmental factors.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and pattern of congenital malformations among newborns admitted in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto, North West Nigeria.

Methods: This is a retrospective study in which a review of the records of all neonates admitted in the neonatal unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Nigeria over a three-year period (January 2021–December 2023) was undertaken. Information was extracted from the records of babies admitted with congenital malformation within the review period. Frequencies and proportions were computed for categorical variables like gender, age, socioeconomic status and place of delivery. The prevalence of Congenital Malformation (CM) was calculated as the proportion of neonates with CM among the total number of babies admitted during the review period. Proportions were compared using Chi square; p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 2572 babies whose records were reviewed, 164 had congenital anomalies giving a prevalence of 6.4%. The predominant systems affected were the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The most common congenital malformation seen were omphalocele (11.9%), acyanotic heart disease (11.4%) and neural tube defects (10.9%). Factors significantly associated with syndromic congenital malformation were maternal age > 35 years (p=0.003), non-use of routine ANC medications (p=0.002), out-born babies (p= 0.032).

Conclusion: The prevalence of congenital malformation among newborns in UDUTH Sokoto, Nigeria was 6.4%. The predominant systems affected were the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems The commonest congenital malformation seen were omphalocele, acyanotic heart disease and neural tube defects.