Frequency of Various Congenital Anomalies among Neonates Born at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi

Objective: To determine the frequency of various congenital abnormalities in neonates born at tertiary care hospitals. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi from 11 July 2024 to 11 Jan 2025. Comprehensive data on each neonate were collected, including gender, maternal age, and maternal BMI, considering that both low and high BMI are risk factors for congenital anomalies. Additional data such as parity, booking status, residential status, maternal comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension), and gestational age were documented. Results: Most patients 66.4% had 1-5 children, 18.9% had nulliparous (0 children), and 14.7% had more than five children. The majority 78.3% was un-booked cases, and 21.7% were booked, according to the mode of admission. Hydrocephalus was the most common condition at 25.2%, followed by anencephaly at 16.8% and spina bifida at 14.0%. Meningocele was observed in 13.3% of patients, while microcephaly and cleft lip were less frequent, occurring in 10.5% and 8.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of congenital anomalies, with hydrocephalus being the most common. Maternal hypertension was linked to hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and cleft lip. Diabetes showed a strong association with meningocele and microcephaly. Consanguinity was a key factor in spina bifida, meningocele, and microcephaly.