Pattern and outcome of gross congenital malformations at birth amongst newborns admitted to a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Congenital malformation(s) do occur in newborns and are thought to be often responsible for a significant proportion of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: This prospective study was designed to determine the pattern and outcome of congenital malformation(s) among newborn deliveries admitted to the special care baby unit (SCBU) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methods: All newborns with any form of congenital malformation (s) admitted to the SCBU were recruited for the study for a 2-Year period from January, 2011 to December, 2012. For ease of identification and classification, organ systems were used to classify malformations while, the recognized syndromes were classified under others. Results: The total deliveries for the study period were 6,578 while, admission to the SCBU was1165. Twenty four (2.1%, prevalence) of the neonates admitted to SCBU had congenital malformation(s); males were 15(62.5%) and females were 9(37.5%) with male to female ratio of 1.7:1. 6(25%) of the babies were delivered outside while, 18(75%) were delivered in our facility labour room. Most of the observed malformations were seen in the central nervous system and the gastro intestinal tract. Conclusion: There is the need for early diagnosis and treatment to improve the chance of survival for malformed babies. The prevalence of 2.1% in our study is comparable to some previous studies however, a community based/multi-centre studies may illuminate a true prevalence.

Keywords

• congenital malformations
• newborns