Abdou MSM, Sherif AAR, Wahdan IMH, Ashour KSED. Pattern and risk factors of congenital anomalies in a pediatric university hospital, Alexandria, Egypt.
J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2019;
94:3. [PMID:
30686831 PMCID:
PMC6326997 DOI:
10.1186/s42506-018-0004-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background
Congenital anomalies (CAs) are structural, functional, or metabolic anomalies that originate during intrauterine life and can interfere with the body functions. In Egypt, the prevalence of CAs is increasing. The study aimed to estimate the frequency, describe the types, and identify the possible risk factors of CAs among infants attending the Pediatric University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt.
Methods
A retrospective case series and a case-control study were conducted. Patients’ records for the years 2010–2015 were reviewed, and a sample of 200 infants (100 cases and 100 controls) was taken from infants presented to Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, and Genetics Clinics of the hospital. Data were collected using a record review checklist and a predesigned interviewing questionnaire.
Results
The study revealed that congenital anomalies of the digestive system (38.0%), musculoskeletal system (32.9%), and circulatory system (11.0%) were the most common types of CAs. Males were more affected with CAs than females (63% versus 37%). The major risk factors for CAs were old-aged parents, complications during pregnancy, unprescribed medications and excessive vitamin A intake during pregnancy, exposure to chemicals and pesticides during pregnancy, and living near mobile strengthening stations.
Conclusion
Congenital malformations of the digestive, musculoskeletal, and circulatory systems were the most common types of CAs in the Pediatric Hospital. To prevent CAs, there is a need to restrict the prescription of medications that may have a teratogenic effect.
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