Incidence of Congenital Fetal Malformation Abnormalities in Tribhuban University, Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal: a Hospital Based Study

Background : Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure or function, which are present at birth. Major birth defects are abnormalities that lead to developmental or physical disabilities or require medical or surgical treatment and they're the leading cause of death in the first year of life. The objective of this study is to find the incidence of congenital abnormalities in this institution. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in Institute of  Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuwan  University Teaching Hospital  from 14th April 2015 to 11th  Feb ,2016 . All the delivered babies in this hospital during the study period were included. All the birth cases of gross congenital fetal malformation were identified and carefully studied and were classified according to the International Classification of diseases (ICD-10). Results: Total number of congenital fetal malformation abnormalities (CMF) delivered during this period was 94 (1.13%) in total 8300 birth /7868 live birth. CMF were categorized as, Musculoskeletal - 25.55%, CNS - 17.02%, Gastrointestinal -13.33%, Renal 14.25%, Cardiac -10.63%,  Respiratory -10.6%, craniofacial -  9.57%, Genitouriary - 8.51%,  and Miscellaneous - 9.57%. Conclusion: Birth abnormalities incompatible to life needs to be timely diagnosed and terminated, whereas as those compatible to life should be given a chance to be born and cared thereafter. All the mothers who have, had previous malformed babies must undergo preconceptional counseling, before planning next pregnancy in order to avoid recurrent mishap.