Maternal Risk Factors in Congenital Anomalies Admitted to a Tertiary Healthcare Institute: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Major congenital malformations occur in approximately 2% of human births. The objective of this study was to examine the sociodemographic profile of mothers whose children have congenital anomalies, to analyze the spectrum of these anomalies, and to explore the relationship between epidemiological risk factors and the identified congenital anomalies, focusing on the anatomical organs and systems involved. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted at a tertiary care institute in Mumbai. Using convenience sampling, 450 children with congenital anomalies were enrolled in the study. Diagnosed cases of congenital anomalies that met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to various wards of the tertiary care institute for treatment were selected. The necessary data were collected and compiled using Microsoft Excel 2007. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 17 software, with averages and percentages applied as statistical tools. Results: Of the children studied, 71.3% (321/450) were male and 28.7% (129/450) were female. In both sexes, congenital anomalies were more prevalent in the age group of 0–6 months. The majority of children with congenital anomalies were born full term (86.9%). Conclusion: Among the various anomalies, the cardiovascular system was the most commonly affected, accounting for 42% of cases. Ventricular septal defect was the most common congenital anomaly observed followed by tetralogy of Fallot. The heart was the most frequently involved organ, followed by the rectum and anal canal.