The Prevalence and Pattern of Congenital Anomalies Among Neonates Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A Retrospective Study

Introduction Congenital anomalies (CAs) constitute a significant determinant of neonatal mortality in India, and past studies have elucidated their diverse clinical presentations across different geographic regions. Given the limited availability of region-specific data in our locale, this study was initiated to elucidate the prevalence and phenotypic manifestations of congenital anomalies in live births within the distinctive setting of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), located in Port Blair, during a defined one-year period extending from June 2022 to May 2023. All live births presenting with congenital anomalies within this stipulated timeframe were systematically enrolled in the study, and data was meticulously extracted from their respective medical records. The study data was methodically collated and organized utilizing the EpiData software (EpiData Association, Odense, Denmark), followed by a comprehensive descriptive analysis executed through the application of the PSPP software (GNU Project, Boston, MA). Results Among the 1661 neonates admitted during the study's defined period, a total of 61 neonates (3.7%) were identified as having congenital anomalies. Among these anomalies, cardiovascular anomalies were found to be the most prevalent, succeeded by gastrointestinal and central nervous system anomalies. Notably, major congenital anomalies were discerned in 20 out of 61 neonates, constituting approximately 33% of the neonatal population with anomalies. Neonates afflicted with congenital anomalies displayed a mortality rate of 11.5%. Conclusion The effects of congenital anomalies on individuals, families, and the society are far-reaching. Early identification and timely referral and intervention are the key factors in decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated with congenital anomalies.