461 The First Six Years Experience of Tunisian Congenital Anomalies Registry

Abstract

Introduction. Congenital anomalies are a major cause of handicap in childhood. Whether they are frequent in Tunisia, epidemiological studies are rare. Establishing the surveillance of congenital anomalies in Monastir area since 2003 respond to a lack of epidemiological and etiological research in a preventive policie of these anomalies. Population and Methods. We underwent the study in Monastir area (Center of Tunisia) between 2003 and 2008. All congenital anomalies diagnosed during the first month of life were evaluated by a physician committee of the research unit 01/UR/08-14 and registered Results. 633 congenital anomalies were identified in 529 newborn infants. Their global prevalence was 1.04 per 10, 000 births. Parents were consanguineous in 26.6%, prenatal diagnosis was made in 21.1% of cases. 92% of newborn infants were alive, 1.9% were still born infants while 5.8% were issued of termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly. Sex-ratio was 1.48. Congenital anomalies were as follow: Congenital heart disease (30.2%), Limb and skeletal anomalies (18.6%), Urinary and genital anomalies (16.6%), Facial anomalies (12.3%), Chromosomal anomalies (7.7%), Digestive system anomalies (7%) and respiratory system anomalies (3%). Conclusions. Surveillance and epidemiological evaluation of congenital anomalies in our country underline the high frequency of these events. This will help to better target congenital anomalies prevention and screening policies in our population.