Amir Ali Khan, Tariq Azam Khattak, Syed Hamid Ali Shah, Emran Roshan, Anwarul Haq.
Pattern of congenital anomalies in the newborn.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;16(2):171-3.

Background: To determine the patterns of congenital anomalies in newborns. Methods: In this descriptive study all newborns, whether alive or stillborn were screened for congenital anomalies,soon after birth. Detailed history was taken. Investigations were done when required to confirm certain defects. Results: Out of total 50 patients 54% were males, with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Most of the patients were term babies (58%). Thirty eight babies (76%) were alive whereas 12 (24%) were stillborn. Antenatal diagnosis was done in 11 (22%) cases.Nervous system was the commonest system involved with 20 cases having some nervous system malformation followed by musculoskeletal system with 14 cases. Neural tube defect was the commonest.. Three cases of congenital heart disease were seen with two cases each of Down's syndrome and facial malformation. Conclusion: Neural tube defect, as the commonest congenital defect, emphasizes the importance of vitamin supplementation, especially folic acid, during pregnancy as a preventive measure.

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