The prevalence of congenital anomalies in Basrah maternity hospital in the last 3 years

Background. Congenital anomalies (CAs) are structural or functional birth defects, including metabolic disorders, resulting from intrinsic developmental abnormalities or poor embryogenesis. They represent a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aim. To determine the prevalence of congenital anomalies in Basrah Maternity Hospital over the past three years. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital from 2021 to 2023. Data were collected from official hospital records, including both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Basrah Medical College and the Basrah Ministry of Health. Results and discussion. The study analyzed 127 cases of congenital anomalies. Gender distribution included 38.6% males, 46.5% females, and 15% with ambiguous genitalia. Birth weight varied, with 6.3% weighing <1500g and 7.1% >3500g. The most common anomalies were musculoskeletal (33.9%), anencephaly (15.7%), and congenital hydrocephalus (10.2%). The mean maternal age was 25.61 years, with 51.2% of mothers aged 20-29 years, while the mean paternal age was 32.82 years, with 47.2% aged 30-40 years. A consanguinity rate of 7.1% was reported. Mortality rates varied depending on the type of anomaly. Conclusion. The study highlights the complexity of congenital anomalies and the need for targeted interventions. Factors such as gender, parental age, and consanguinity influence anomaly patterns. Addressing mortality disparities requires improved healthcare strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further research is essential to identify underlying causes and improve neonatal outcomes.