Maternal Risk Factors Associated With Congenital Anomalies Among New-Born Babies: A Hospital Based Case – Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are an important cause for neonatal mortality and morbidity. An estimated 3,03,000 new-borns die within 4 weeks of birth every year, worldwide, due to congenital anomalies. According to global report of birth defects 7.9 million births (6% of total births) occur annually worldwide with serious birth defects and 94% of these births occur in the middle- and low-income countries. According to joint WHO and MOD meeting report, birth defects account for 7 % of all neonatal mortality and 3.3 million under five deaths. The prevalence of birth defects in India is 6-7% which translates around 1.7 million birth defects annually. According to WHO, it can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally, at birth and sometimes may be detected later in infancy (hearing defects). The common birth defects include congenital heart disease (8-10 per 1000 live births), congenital deafness (5.6-10 per 1000 live births) and neural tube defects (4-11.4 per 1000 live births). Congenital anomalies can contribute to long-term disability, which may have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems and societies. Risk factors for congenital anomalies as per WHO are genetic factors, socioeconomic and demographic factors, environmental factors, infections and maternal nutritional status. Some congenital anomalies can be prevented through vaccination (MR vaccine), adequate intake of folic acid and iodine through fortification or supplementation and adequate antenatal care for early detection of congenital anomalies. Some studies also suggest that babies with single umbilical artery have an increased risk for birth defects, including heart, central nervous system and urinary- tract defects and chromosomal abnormalities. Many studies done are cross sectional studies done on small samples. Hence, this present case control study was conducted to identify the maternal and placental risk factors associated with congenital anomalies among new-born babies. Since most of the risk factors are preventable, the present study can help in identifying the association between risk factors and congenital anomaly; hence reducing the number of babies born with congenital anomalies thereby reducing perinatal mortality and morbidity. Objectives: 1. To know the maternal risk factors associated with congenital anomalies among new-born babies. 2. To know the placental abnormalities associated with congenital anomalies among new-born babies.