Prevalence of Fetal Malformations: An Experience From a Tertiary Care Hospital

Ranajit Mukherjee, Uttam Kumar Mondal, Suchandra Mukherjee, Manashi Purkait

Abstract

Background and Aim: Congenital malformations are a long-term burden for the children, their parents, and the society in a developing country such as India. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of congenital fetal malformations (CFMs) in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India over a span of 1 year and 6 months.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included antenatal mothers with a diagnosis of fetal anomaly by antenatal ultrasonography (USG), maternal illness likely to cause CFM, and mothers whose previous child was affected with genetic and metabolic disorders. From the antenatal screening reports of the participants, data pertaining to their age, parity, blood group, maternal serum HPLC results, any illness, obstetric history, family history of birth defects, and exposure to teratogens were extracted and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Data were analyzed using the simple statistical method of recording the number and percentage of cases with respect to age, parity, previous pregnancy loss, and birth defects in previous pregnancies.

Results: We assessed 15,817 antenatal USGs and found 316 (1.99%) anomalous fetuses and 352 types of fetal anomalies. Most antenatal mothers with the diagnosis of CFMs belonged to the 21 to 25 years age group, and most malformations were diagnosed in the third trimester. Central nervous system malformations were the most common among the ones detected. Soft markers in the organ system formed a major portion of malformations.

Conclusion: The prevalence of CFM was high. Early detection and prognosis, timely counseling, and comprehensive care involving a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists are crucial to improve the outcomes of fetal malformations.