Major Congenital Anomalies and Associated Risk Factors in Isfahan Province, Iran, 2014-2015

Congenital anomalies are one of the major causes of neonatal mortality and causes of childhood and puberty complications. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of congenital anomalies in Isfahan Province, Iran, and to identify associated risk factors. The data of 156620 births registered in Isfahan Province hospitals during the years 2014 and 2015 were extracted from national datacenter of maternal and neonatal health. 1174 newborns were reported as congenital anomalies. Their medical records were readout, and required information were completed via interviewing the mother or physician, and reviewing the maternity health charts. Results were presented using descriptive statistics. The biennial prevalence of congenital malformations was estimated to be 7.5 per 1000 births. Undefined anomalies (24.4%) and limb anomalies (18.0%) were the most common ones. In newborns with congenital anomalies, higher rate of consanguineous marriage [26.2% versus 19.0%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.75], and high risk pregnancies (16.2% versus 12.1%, OR = 1.1, CI: 1.17-1.68) were observed. Considering the low prevalence of congenital anomalies in this study, it seems that there is a
need for population-based supplementary studies, and establishment of a quality registration system in the province. Preventive interventions to reduce consanguineous marriages and control of risk factors for pregnancy are recommended.