Genetic analysis of lethal congenital malformations causing perinatal mortality at Nizwa Hospital, Oman

An analysis of lethal congenital malformations (LCM) - which contributed to perinatal mortality at Nizwa Hospital, Oman - is presented for a 10-year period from January 1993 through December 2002. Single gene, chromosomal or multifactorial inheritance accounted for 86.1% of the cases. LCM-related perinatal deaths were higher in Omani, compared to those in non-Omani births (p < 0.001). This could possibly be attributed to high consanguinity, low female literacy and high fertility rates in the Omani population. Forty per cent of LCM-related perinatal deaths in the study had potential options for prevention. Integration of a community-based genetic service into the existing health-care delivery system is suggested.