Prevalence, Pattern and Outcome of Congenital Malformations among Neonates Seen at a Tertiary Health Institution in Yenagoa

Background: Congenital malformations (CM) are significant causes of childhood morbidity and mortality impacting negatively on the affected family’s emotional and financial life. It also results in an enormous burden on a nation’s health and socio-economic systems. However, few studies on CM have emanated from developing countries including Nigeria and specifically from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State which is located in the oil rich Niger Delta region. We therefore analyzed the prevalence, pattern and outcome of management of babies with CM seen at the Neonatal unit (SCBU) of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. This could be used as evidence for policy makers to develop and implement CM surveillance, prevention and supportive programs.

Methods: This was a descriptive observational study of all neonates with CM admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) over a one year period from 1st February 2017 to 31st January 2018. Identification and confirmation of congenital anomalies was done by physical examination, diagnostic investigations and surgical interventions. The conditions were classified organ and system-wise except for the chromosomal abnormalities. The prevalence and pattern of defects were determined, while factors related to the outcome of the anomalies were calculated with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Data entry and analysis were performed using excel and SPSS version 22.

Results: Among the 502 newborn admissions during the study period, congenital anomalies were found in 61 newborns, giving a prevalence rate of 12.2% with a female preponderance of 55.7%. The commonest CM were those related to the cardiovascular system (47.5%) followed by the digestive system (32.8%) then musculoskeletal system (19.7%). The mean duration of care was 9.7± 9.0 days with mortality of 30.5% recorded at that period. Babies with CM affecting the cardiovascular system and chromosomal anomalies were less likely to survive although these relationships were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, duration of care showed a statistically significant relationship with outcome as babies who spent one day and less in the neonatal unit had reduced odds of a favourable outcome (OR – 0.07). An increased odd of survival (OR – 2.09) was seen in babies with only one congenital birth defect.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of Congenital malformations in newborns was demonstrated in this study. This has highlighted the need for a well-designed surveillance, prevention and supportive hospital, State and National programme for affected babies and their families.