FREQUENCY AND PATTERN OF DISTRIBUTION OF ANTENATALLY DIAGNOSED CONGENITAL ANOMALIES AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Objective: To find the frequency and pattern of distribution of antenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies and the associated risk factors. Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from March 2012 to April 2013. Women with ultrasound report of congenitally abnormal fetus irrespective of the gestational age were included. They were evaluated for the presence of risk factors including periconceptional use of folic acid, maternal medical disorders e.g diabetes, epilepsy and history of smoking, maternal and paternal ages, consanguineous marriages and family history of anomalies. Results: A total of 62 women were included in the study. Fifty seven (91.9%) were having isolated anomalies while 5 (8.1%) presented with complex anomalies. Central nervous system (CNS) was the most commonly involved system (79%). Lack of folic acid use and consanguineous marriages were two most important risk factors; however their correlation with congenital anomalies was not significant. Forty eight (77.4%) women have never used folic acid and consanguineous relation was present in 52 (83.9%). Other risk factors like maternal medical disorder e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, maternal and paternal ages, family history and maternal smoking were non-significant. Conclusion: Lack of periconceptional use of folic acid and consanguineous marriages were two most important risk factors. Awareness among the general population and improvement in the antenatal care can help in the early detection and management of congenital anomalies.