Congenital Anomalies in Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Cairo University

Authors

The Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University* and Pediatrics Department, Ministry of Health**, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background: Congenital anomalies comprise a wide range of abnormalities of body structure or function that are present at birth and are of prenatal origin. Congenital anomalies defined as structural changes that have significant medical, social or cosmetic consequences for the affected individual, and typically require medical intervention. Three to seven percent is the estimated worldwide incidence of congenital anomalies, with 295000 newborns die within 28 days of birth every year worldwide due to congenital anomalies. Aim of Study: This study aims to detect the incidence of congenital anomalies in neonates admitted in Neonatal Inten-sive Care Units, Cairo University in the year 2014 and the associated risk factors present in their parents. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of neonates having congenital anomalies admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Cairo University Children Hospital over one year from January 2014 to January 2015. Our collected data include full history with pedigree, full clinical examination and investigations. Results: 1105 neonatal 's records collected from Neonatal intensive care units, Cairo University for one year, four hundred sixty five (42%) of them having congenital anomalies, with high mortality (30.5%) from congenital anomalies, consanguineous marriage represent with 28.8%. Gastrointes-tinal tract anomalies are the most common congenital anom-alies (48.6%) followed by cardiovascular system (24.3%) respiratory system (4.3%) urinary and genetic causes (1.9%), mothers have chronic illness represent (10.3%) with eight% took drug during pregnancy. Conclusion: We found that there is high incidence of congenital anomalies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Units this is mostly related to that we are tertiary referral center and also most of these cases collected from surgical unit and need surgical interference and related to high incidence of consanguineous marriage. Congenital anomalies can contribute to long-term disabil-ity, which may have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems and societies.
The exact causes of congenital anomalies cannot be identified so close follow-up of pregnant women is highly indicated. Some congenital anomalies can be prevented. For example, vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid or iodine during pregnancy and adequate antenatal care are keys for prevention.

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