Congenital Physical Defects

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of congenital defects continues to be a major problem in neonatal paediatrics. Although the infant and perinatal mortality rates have shown appreciable reductions since the beginning of the century, the death rate of babies with congenital defects has undergone no significant change. It is estimated in the U.K. that congenital malformations account for one in five of all infant deaths. Corresponding figures for the developing countries will differ since traditional midwifery, infection in early life, poor sanitation and overcrowding in homes take a heavy toll of infant life in these parts of the world.