RISK FACTORS FOR CONGENITAL ANOMALY: ANALYSIS AT SBMCH.

Congenital anomalies are a leading cause of infant death and disability and their incidence varies between ethnic group.. Congenital anomalies affect a remarkable proportion of newborn population and contribute significantly to the childhood mortality and hospital admissions . It is are a global health problem. Every year an estimated 7.9 million children are born with a serious birth defect, 3.3 million children (under five years) die from birth defects, and 3.2 million who survive may develop a disability later in the life . They are the leading cause of prenatal mortality and childhood morbidity and disability in many countries . The wide range of causes of birth defects means that a portfolio of prevention approaches is needed. The prevention of these disorders is available in 60% of cases . This needs however epidemiological information. Prevalence studies of congenital anomalies are useful to establish baseline rates, to document changes over time, and to identify clues to the etiology. Many of developed countries monitor the prevalence of birth defects through registration or surveillance system of fetuses and infants. In addition, international organizations have been established to conduct worldwide surveillance and research into the occurrence and possible causes of congenital anomalies and to establish prevention strategies . Congenital anomalies are the most common causes of death in children (1–59 months) in India. however, are mostly limited to particular type of defects . Without comprehensive data on congenital anomalies, it is difficult to evaluate possible teratogens and to implement effective prevention and care services. This information is also important for planning and performing antenatal screening for congenital anomalies, particularly in high risk populations. Nevertheless, published comprehensive data about the prevalence of birth defects are scarce in developing countries . The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological features of congenital anomalies .