Congenital Malformation Prevalence in Cluj District between 2003-2007

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital anomalies represent a significant cause of premature birth, of child morbidity and mortality. From 200000 new born per year, over 10000 presented malformations. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the incidence of malformations is increasing and varies upon geographic features, race and gender. Perinatal mortality is generated in 66.66% of cases by congenital malformations, illnesses from perinatal period and the rest of them is generated by the birth. Material and Method: The study was retrospective and was carried on for a period of five years (2003-2007) based on medical records and on laboratory results, (especially those for TORCH screening: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus). Results: Major structural anomalies were present at 39.51% (388 cases) of 982 patients which were registered in Genetic Pathology Center from Pediatric Clinics I, Cluj-Napoca. Diagnosed abnormalities included: congenital malformations of circulatory, respiratory, digestive, central nervous system, congenital malformations of skeletal system, Down syndrome, which is consistent with results of other studies showing that the most common are heart abnormalities (33.06%), followed in descending order of frequency by urinary, genital, CNS, skin, oral-facial cleft and digestive anomalies. Conclusions: Early detection of major malformation during early pregnancy can indicate for medical termination of pregnancy to reduce the high morbidity and mortality of neonates due to congenital malformations. So proper and timely counselling, regular antenatal care with folate supplementation especially during the most sensitive period of embryogenesis is essential to avoid major congenital malformation for future pregnancy.