Congenital malformations: Prevalence and characteristics of newborns admitted into Federal Medical Center, Asaba

BACKGROUND: Congenital malformations account for a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Understanding the burden and pattern of congenital malformation is key in monitoring the trend and improving the health care of neonates especially those in low‐income countries. OBJECTIVE: This was a prospective cross‐sectional study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of congenital malformations among neonates admitted to the neonatal unit. METHOD: All newborns with congenital malformation admitted into the neonatal unit of Federal Medical Center, Asaba whose parents gave consent were recruited for the study for a 1‐year period from January 2020 to December 2020. Appropriately indicated laboratory and radio‐diagnostic investigations were done to confirm internal anomalies. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with a statistical package for social sciences version 26.0. RESULTS: The total admission for the period was 752 with 46 of the neonates (6.1%) having congenital malformation. The predominant system affected was the cardiovascular system (57%), central nervous system (33%), and digestive system (30%). Atrioventricular septal defect (31%) and patent ductus arteriosus (31%) were the commonest types of cardiovascular malformation. A significant number of newborns with congenital anomalies died (43.5%). CONCLUSION: Congenital malformation was seen among one in 18 neonates affecting mostly the cardiovascular and central nervous system. A high index of suspicion, early complete physical examination, and radio‐diagnostic investigations are relevant for the complete evaluation of CM in neonates. Advanced maternal age was associated with the presence of multiple organ anomalies.