Congenital malformations in the newborn

Summary

5,376 consecutive births were examined for the presence of congenital malformations, to find out its incidence and to determine the role of environmental factors in the causation of these anomalies.

The incidence was 13.76 per one thousand births. Males dominated among the malformed infants with an incidence of 67.56 per cent. The maximum number of malformed children were born to mothers in the third pregnancy, constituting a percentage of 37.83. Prematures accounted for 17.56 per cent of all the malformed births. The incidence of congenital malformations among prematures was 3.8 per cent.

Infants with central nervous system anomalies formed the major group with an incidence of 40.54 per cent among the affected infants. 31 per cent resulted in still births. The incidence of congenital malformations among still-births was 7.58 per cent.

Hydramnios during pregnancy was observed in five cases (6.75 per cent). A history of chicken pox and measles in the first trimester of pregnancy was elicited in two mothers (2.7 per cent). Advanced maternal age and parity were linked in six cases of mongolism. A history of increased vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy was obtained in four cses (5.4%). A history of consangunity was present in two infants. No other significant etiological factors could be determined in any case.