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).