Prevalence of congenital birth defects (CBD) and associated risk-factors of babies delivered at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein South Africa: 2013-2017

Abstract

Background: Congenital birth defects are an important cause of stillbirths and neonatal mortality, chronic
illness, and disability. The prevalence of congenital anomalies may vary over time or by geographical location.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion and types of congenital birth
defects in live/dead newborns and to study maternal and perinatal risk factors.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the maternity unit of Universitas Academic
Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa, during January 2013 to December 2017. All the live/stillborn babies born
in the hospital during this period were included. The newborns were examined for the presence of congenital
anomalies.
Results: During the study period, 2430 babies were born, of which 239 had congenital malformations, making
the prevalence 9.84%. Most of the women giving birth (49.79%) belonged to the age group 20 to 29 years.
Congenital anomalies were seen more commonly (69.87%) in the multiparas in comparison to the primiparas
(30.13%). The predominant system affected by congenital defects was the central nervous system (CNS)
(40.60%) followed by multiple/gross congenital anomalies (18.83%) and the musculoskeletal system (12.98%).
Intracranial defects (congenital hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly; 28.88%) were the most common type
of CNS defect seen. Results indicated that CBD was more likely to be associated with low birth weight,
prematurity, multiparity, and cesarean delivery.
Conclusion: This study highlighted specifi c opportunities to improve primary prevention and care of congenital
anomalies. Public awareness of the preventable risk factors must be raised, and early prenatal diagnosis
and management of common congenital anomalies is strongly recommended. Folic acid supplementation,
preconception diabetes screening and related counselling could have signifi cant and broad health benefi ts in
women included in this study and arguably in the larger South African population.