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Moges N, Anley DT, Zemene MA, Adella GA, Solomon Y, Bantie B, Fenta Felek S, Dejenie TA, Bayih WA, Chanie ES, Getaneh FB, Kassaw A, Mengist Dessie A. Congenital anomalies and risk factors in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e002022. [PMID: 37429669 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pooled prevalence and identify risk factors of congenital anomalies among neonates in Africa. METHODS The pooled birth prevalence of congenital anomalies was the first outcome of this review, and the pooled measure of association between congenital anomalies and related risk factors in Africa was the second. We conducted a thorough search of the databases PubMed/ Medline, PubMed Central, Hinary, Google, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 31 January 2023. The JBI appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the studies. STATA V.17 was used for the analysis. The I2 test and Eggers and Beggs tests were used to measure study heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was calculated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also performed. RESULT This systematic review and meta-analysis includes 32 studies with a total of 626 983 participants. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 23.5 (95% CI 20 to 26.9) per 1000 newborns. Not taking folic acid (pooled OR=2.67; 95% CI (1.42 to 5.00)), history of maternal illness (pooled OR=2.44, 95% CI (1.2 to 4.94)), history of drug use (pooled OR=2.74, 95% CI (1.29 to 5.81)), maternal age (>35 years.) (Pooled OR=1.97, 95% CI (1.15 to 3.37)), drinking alcohol (pooled OR=3.15, 95% CI (1.4 to 7.04)), kchat chewing (pooled OR=3.34, 5% CI (1.68 to 6.65)) and urban residence (pooled OR=0.58, 95% CI (0.36 to 0.95)) were had significant association with congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION The pooled prevalence of congenital abnormalities in Africa was found to be substantial, with significant regional variation. Appropriate folate supplementation during pregnancy, proper management of maternal sickness, proper antenatal care, referring healthcare personnel before using drugs, avoiding alcohol intake and kchat chewing are all important in lowering the occurrence of congenital abnormalities among newborns in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natnael Moges
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Denekew Tenaw Anley
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Aderajew Zemene
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Asmare Adella
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Woliata Sodo University, Woliata Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Yenealem Solomon
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Bantie
- Department of Comprehensive Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Sefineh Fenta Felek
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubet Alebachew Bayih
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology and preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ermiase Sisay Chanie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Amare Kassaw
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Mengist Dessie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Tiruneh C, Gebremeskel T, Necho M, Teshome Y, Teshome D, Belete A. Birth prevalence of omphalocele and gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221125536. [PMID: 36161211 PMCID: PMC9500260 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221125536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To systematically summarize the burden of gastroschisis and omphalocele in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed literatures from Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, HINARI, and Google Scholar that investigated at the prevalence of major congenital abdominal wall malformation. The pooled prevalence of major abdominal wall defects was estimated using a weighted inverse variance random-effects model. The Q statistic and the I2 statistics were used to examine for heterogeneity among the included studies. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to check for publication bias. Results: A total of 1951 studies were identified; 897 from PubMed, 26 from Cochrane Library, 960 from Google Scholar, and 68 from other sources. Fourteen articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected for this meta-analysis with 242,462 total enrolled participants and 4693 births with congenital anomaly. The pooled prevalence of ompahalocele among congenital defect patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 4.47% (95% confidence interval: 3.04–5.90; I2 = 88.3%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of omphalocele among births with congenital defect was found to be 4.04% (95% confidence interval: 2.62–5.46) in cross-sectional studies and 4.43% (95% confidence interval: 306–5.81) in cohort studies. The average prevalence of omphalocele among births with congenital defect was found to be 8% (95% confidence interval: 5.53–10.47) in Uganda and 6.65% (95% confidence interval: 4.18–9.13) in Nigeria. The pooled prevalence of gastroschisis among congenital birth defect in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 3.22% (95% confidence interval: 1.83–4.61; I2 = 33.1%; p = 0.175). Conclusion: Based on this review, the pooled prevalence of omphalocele and gastroschisis in sub-Saharan Africa are high. Therefore, a perinatal screening program for congenital anomalies should be implemented. In addition, early referral of suspected cases of congenital anomalies is required for better management until advanced diagnostic centers are established in various locations of Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalachew Tiruneh
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Gebremeskel
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Mogesie Necho
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Yossef Teshome
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Teshome
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Asmare Belete
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Magwesela FM, Rabiel H, Mung'ong'o CM. Pattern of congenital anomalies among pediatric surgical patients in a tertiary care hospital in northern Tanzania. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2022; 5:e000410. [DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2021-000410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCongenital anomalies are major causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age and make a significant contribution to the surgical burden of diseases. Most anomalies have multifactorial causes and commonly affect the central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. Countries with improved pediatric surgical care have shown dramatic reductions in morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of congenital anomalies presenting in our surgical departments in patients under 5 years of age.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study was done. Data were obtained from clinical records of patients under 5 years of age, who underwent surgical correction of their congenital anomalies between 2017 and 2021. Analysis was done to identify the proportion of congenital anomalies managed in our setting.ResultsCongenital anomalies contributed 4.6% of overall surgical burden. Totally, 822 patients with congenital anomalies were included for analysis. The most commonly diagnosed congenital anomaly was inguinal hernia, followed by hydrocephalus, neural tube defects and cleft lips. The most commonly affected system was the central nervous system, anterior abdominal wall, orofacial and digestive system in decreasing order of frequency. Most of our patients presented outside the neonatal period (84.4%), and few (16.1%) had more than one system affected. Male children comprised 64%.ConclusionsDelayed presentation of children with congenital anomalies is still a significant problem in our area. Prevention through nutritional supplementation and antenatal screening is crucial. The true epidemiology of congenital anomalies in northern Tanzania is still obscure.
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Geographic distribution of live births and infant mortality from congenital anomalies in Brazil, 2012-2017. J Community Genet 2021; 12:377-386. [PMID: 33496933 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-021-00509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 2010-2014 period, the mean prevalence of congenital anomalies (CA) in the world was estimated at 398/10,000 births. CA are an important cause of mortality, disability, and comorbidity. Thus, the present study aims to describe the geographical and temporal distributions of live births and infant mortality (IM) due CA (IM-CA) in Brazil, from 2012 to 2017. The data used in this study is available at the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The prevalence of CA at birth was 81.67/10,000 (95% CI 80.46-82.88), and the IM-CA rate was 27.97/10,000 (95% CI 27.95-28.00) in the studied period. The five CA with the highest rates were polydactyly (9.66/10,000, 95% CI 6.10-9.82), Down syndrome (3.40/10,000, 95% CI 3.41-5.99), microcephaly (2.92/10,000, 95% CI 2.91-3.12), hydrocephalus (2.72/10,000, 95% CI 2.65-2.90), and spina bifida (2.44/10,000, 95% CI 2.43-2.64). São Paulo was the Brazilian state with the highest CA birth rate (119.3/10,000), and Amazonas was the state with the highest IM-CA rate (33.8/10,000). The description and data analyses such as those performed in this work are relevant for healthcare systems and can be very useful in the formulation of public health campaigns and policies, as well as informing and educating professionals and the population. The management of clinical actions should consider all social, economic, geographic, and epidemiological factors.
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Commander SJ, Ellis D, Williamson H, Oyania F, Ruhigwa C, Situma M, Fitzgerald TN. Social and financial barriers may contribute to a "hidden mortality" in Uganda for children with congenital anomalies. Surgery 2020; 169:311-317. [PMID: 33097243 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The true incidence of congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. Owing to complex challenges associated with congenital anomalies, many affected babies may never present to a health facility, resulting in an underestimation of disease burden. METHODS Interviews were conducted with Ugandans between September 2018 and May 2019. Responses from community members versus families of children with congenital anomalies were compared. RESULTS A total of 198 Ugandans were interviewed (91 family members, 80 community members). All participants (N = 198) believed that seeking surgical care would lead to poverty, 43% (n = 84) assumed fathers would abandon the child, and 26% (n = 45) thought a child with a congenital anomaly in their community had been left to die. Causes of anomalies were believed to be contraceptive methods (48%, n = 95), witchcraft (17%, n = 34), or drugs (10%, n = 19). Of family members, 25 (28%) were advised to allow the child to die. Families with affected children were more likely to have a lower income (P < .001), believe anomalies could be treated (P = .007), but thought that allowing the child to die was best for the family (32% vs 9%; P < .0001). Monthly household income <50,000 Uganda shillings ($13 United States dollars) was a significant predictor of the father leaving the family (P = .024), being advised to not pursue medical care (P = .046), and believing that God should decide the child's fate (P = .047). CONCLUSION Families face significant financial and social pressures when deciding to seek surgical care for a child with a congenital anomaly. Many children with anomalies may die and never reach a health facility to be counted, thus contributing to a hidden mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Ellis
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Felix Oyania
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mbarara National Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - Comfart Ruhigwa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mbarara National Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - Martin Situma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mbarara National Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - Tamara N Fitzgerald
- Department Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC; Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC.
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