Congenital malformations in the neonatal unit of Arifin Achmad Hospital, Pekanbaru: occurrence and trends

Abstract

Background Congenital malformations are a global and continual issue, contributing to neonatal mortality. The incidence and prevalence, as well as distribution of congenital malformations vary among countries. Objective To determine the 'prevalence, distribution, and trends in congenital malformations which are important to develop plans to cope Mth the problem. Methods We reviewed all cases of congenital malformations admitted to the Neonatal Unit, Department of Child Health, Arifin Ahmad Hospital from 2008 to 2010. Data were collected from medical records. Diagnoses of congenital malformations were established by history􀁄taking, physical examination, and specific laboratory tests. Trends in the distribution of congenital malformation types, as well as clinical outcomes were highlighted. Results During the study period there were 2,317 infants admit􀁄 ted to the Neonatal Unit, 724 in 2008, 772 in 2009, and 821 in 2010. Most patients were referred by other hospitals, at the age ofO􀁄3 days. Most patients had normal birth weight and were de􀁄 livered vaginally. Of the 2,317 infants, 302 were diagnosed with congenital malformations; the most common congenital malfor􀁄 mations were of the digestive tract. The distribution of anomaly types was relatively constant over time, but the proportion of patients Mth congenital malformations discharged alive increased in the latter two years of the 3􀁄year period studied. Conclusion Most infants in our study had congenital malforma􀁄 tions involving the gastrointestinal tract. Distribution trends were constant over time. Further efforts should be made to better manage future cases. [Paediatr lndones. 2012;52:284,8].

Keywords

• congenital malformation
• neonate