Spot Incidence of Congenital Malformations in Neonates Delivered in El-Ahrar Zagazig Hospital

Birth defect is one of the main factors influencing the quality of newborn population, the survivors subject to deformity are not only painful themselves, but also impose heavy burdens on the family and society. Reduction and elimination of birth defects has been an important issue in public health around the globe today.This study was prospective descriptive study conducted to evaluate the incidence of congenital malformations in neonates born at Obstetric Department in El-Ahrar Zagazig Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the same Hospital, during the period from 1 November 2010 to 30 April 2011.Conclusion:Our finding can be summarized in the following.- The incidence of congenital anomalies was 2.47%.The greatest incidence of CAs involved the musculoskeletal system, abdominal wall and skin (in 23%), the central nervous system (in 19%), the cardiovascular system (in 19%), the genitourinary system (in 13%), the gastrointestinal tract (in 10%), the orofacial (in 10%) and chromosomal aberrations (in 6.5%). Most cases of congenital anomalies were full term.Recommendations:Any woman with advanced maternal age should be counseled before conception about the dangers attending such pregnancy. Chronic diseases as D.M. should be controlled before pregnancy with strict follow up during pregnancy. To avoid missing cases with congenital anomalies, such newborn should be examined by at least two physician once within 24 hours of birth and again prior to discharge. Early prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in high risk mothers for possible termination of pregnancy should b made available. Genetic counseling for mother having a previous baby with congenital anomalies. A better understanding and increased knowledge of the epidemiology of neonates with birth defects should be encouraged through wide scale studies.