Evaluating frequency and risk factors of congenital anomalies in under 15 disabled children, registered in shahrekord Welfare Organization -2018

Congenital anomalies are common causes of medical interventions, long-term illness and death. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of congenital anomalies in disabled patients under 15 years old registered in Welfare Organization of Shahrekord.

The present study was a case–control study. 350 disabled patients registered in the Welfare Organization of Shahrekord and 350 matched healthy children were included in study. Demographic information and probable risk factors were recorded in the checklist through the patient's file and interviews with parents.

The most common anomalies were cardiac disorders (31.1%), cerebral palsy (18.3%) and Down syndrome (14.9%). The body weight, length and head circumference at birth, mean father's and mother's age at the time of pregnancy , Father's and  mother's ethnicity, economic status , education, type of delivery, birth season, maternal body mass index during pregnancy, maternal diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypertension  and infectious disease during pregnancy, parental addiction, parents' smoking, folic acid and iron intake during pregnancy, drug use during pregnancy ,hypoxia, consanguinity and family history of congenital anomaly were significantly different in two groups (p <0.05). Based on the results of logistic regression Type of delivery (caesarean section) , low socioeconomic status, father’s age, family history of congenital anomalies, father’s smoking and infant hypoxia had a significant correlation with the congenital anomalies.

Since early identification of congenital anomalies is essential for preventive interventions, considering the risk factors of this study will be helpful for primary prevention.
Women at risk especially from poor socioeconomic should be mentioned and screened for more support and prenatal care.