Pattern and Frequency of Congenital Anomalies in Kerbala Teaching Hospital for Children

Abstract

Background: Challenges associated with congenital anomalies, lead to an increased burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality in various settings. In Iraq, particularly in the in Holy Kerbala, there is limited information on the prevalence and contributing risk factors of congenital anomalies.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the types, frequency, and associated maternal risk factors of congenital anomalies among newborns in the main hospitals in Holy Kerbala
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 100 newborns from the selected hospitals in Kerbala. Information on congenital anomalies of newborns and associated maternal and environmental factors were drawn from clinical records. Descriptive statistics were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.
Results: The most affected systems were cardiovascular (29%), gastrointestinal (28%) and central nervous system (21%). Parental consanguinity was present in 38% of cases. Only 74% of mothers reported folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Environmental exposures such as passive smoking, and maternal conditions including infections and chronic diseases, were reported in a significant proportion of cases.
Conclusion: Our study reveals a concerning rate of congenital anomalies in Kerbala teaching hospital for children, with the modified risk factors like lack of folic acid and consanguinity playing important roles.

Keywords: Congenital Anomalies, Children, Newborn, Kerbala