Patterns of Congenital Malformations in a Tertiary Newborn Care Unit in Central India: Implications for Prenatal Care

Among 4407 admissions, 200 newborns had congenital malformations (4.5%), which included gastrointestinal (45%; n=90), CNS (25%; n=50), cardiovascular (10%; n=20), and musculoskeletal (7%; n=14) malformations. Of the cohort, 56% were male and 44% female; 154 (76%) were full term, 44 (22%) were preterm, and 4 (2%) were post-term births, with 130 (65%) being low birth weight. A total of 70 infants died in the neonatal period, with a case fatality ratio of 32% (n=16) from CNS, 25% (n=5) from cardiovascular, and 18.88% (n=17) from gastrointestinal malformations. Previous history of abortion and stillbirth was associated with 30% (n=60) and 9% (n=18) of congenital malformation, respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights the burden of congenital malformation in a tertiary care sick newborn care unit in central India. Antenatal care, including screening for congenital malformation, counselling, and management, will help to decrease the burden of congenital malformation. Further research is essential to refine interventions and support families affected by these challenges.