Prevalence of Congenital Malformations: A Hospital-Based Study

Background: Birth defects are a diverse group of disorders with prenatal origin that can be caused due to single gene defects, chromosomal disorders, multifactorial inheritance, environmental teratogens and micronutrient deficiencies. The objective of this study was to study the prevalence of congenital anomalies in Department of Pediatrics at Government Regional Hospital Kullu (R. H. Kullu) Himachal Pradesh. Methods: The study population includes all neonates (inborn plus outborn) in R. H. Kullu in one year i. e from 1st August 2017 to 31st July 2018. The babies were examined and assessed thoroughly for the presence of a congenital anomaly and were then distributed system wise. Results: Among the 3317 deliveries, 92 babies had congenital malformations. Consanguinity and increased maternal age were found to increase the presence of congenital anomalies. Cardiovascular and urogenital malformations were found to be the most common. Conclusions: Congenital anomalies are a global health problem. This study supports us to find out the caause of congenital anomalies. Consanguinity should be discouraged. Early antenatal scan aids in prior detection of congenital anomalies and appropriate genetic counselling can reduce the anomalies in future pregnancies.