Abstract
Introduction: WHO has considered Congenital anomalies as a recognizable cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children under five years of age, and it contributes to 7% of all neonatal deaths worldwide. Knowing the prevalence of birth defects and their trends is important in identifying potential factors that are either causative or preventative. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of major congenital anomalies in a tertiary hospital population, which receives referrals to the Fetal Medicine Unit from all over the country.
Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study of antenatal diagnosis of Major congenital anomalies found in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Fetal Medicine Unit, over 10 years period from January 2009 to December 2018.
The study site is a tertiary hospital that is the official referral center for congenital anomalies in Oman, as appointed by the Ministry of Health. Data were obtained from the following sources: a registry book for congenital anomalies in Ultrasound and Fetal medicine units, patient information obtained from computerized records at Royal Hospital, records from the labor ward and antenatal clinics. All patients with antenatal diagnosis of major congenital anomalies were included.
Data included demographics, ultrasound findings and other pertinent maternal and fetal information such as maternal age, maternal parity, gestational age at diagnosis, history of consanguinity, coexistence of maternal factors and history of previous fetal anomalies. All data were analyzed statistically using STATA software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX).