Rukhshanda Dughal, Asma Zarah, Nudrat Rashid, Rehana Nazir, Tahira Asif, Asif Hanif, Tayyaba Majeed.
Assessment of Potential Risk Factors for Congenital Anomalies in Low Risk population at tertiary care hospital.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;8(1):50-2.

Aim: To determine the frequency of preventable factors causing congenital anomalies Methods: This observational study was conducted at Obstetric unit of Govt. Lady Aitchison Hospital, Lahore, from January, 2012 to December, 2012. Patients were admitted through emergency unit & out patients department. Patients’ demographic record including age, parity, education, socio-economic status, along with mode of admission, antenatal care status, previous scar (Myomectomy, Cesarean, D&C C -Hysterectomy, Blood transfusion and duration of hospital stay was noted from patients record. Results: Among total 80 newborns born with anomalies, 47(59%) were males whereas rest of 33(41%) were females. A total of 38(47%) newborns had Hydrocephaly, 25(31%) had Anencephaly, 8(10%) had Arcania, 4(5%) had ompalocele, 3(4%) had spina bifida and only 2(3%) had Arnolad Chiari. A total of 47(59%) subjects were compatible with life, among whom 38(81%) were hydrocephalus whereas only 4(9%) were ompalocele, 3(6%) were spina bifida and 2(4%) were having Arnold Chiari. The age of mothers of the subjects was ≤20 in 40(50%) of the patients, majority of the deliveries 64(80%) were un-booked and 54(67%) mothers were having cousin marriages. Conclusion: The Hydrocephaly, Anencephaly, Arcania, ompalocele, spina bifida and Arnolad Chiari were most commonly observed types of anomalies in our study. Young maternal age, cousin marriages, intake of drugs, previous baby and family history of anomalies and lack of maternal care were major identified risk factors.

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