Pattern of clinically recognisable congenital malformations in babies born in a tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To record incidence, pattern and prevalence of risk factors of congenital malformations (CM) in live new born babies at a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. METHODS: All newborn babies delivered over a period of six months at the Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara were included in this cross sectional study and they were subjected to thorough medical examination to detect any CM. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics and risk factors associated with CM. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of CM in the study group was 4.3%. Occurrence was higher in males (61.4%) than females (36.9%). Highest frequency of CM was in the musculoskeletal system. Parents' age, previous history of abortions or stillbirths, consanguinity and pre-conceptual folic acid deficiency were the most prevalent risk factors related to CM. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CM in the study group is high compared to other countries in the region. Emphasis on preventing CM is recommended and public health actions is required in improving well-being of affected babies.