Open AccessPRETERM DETECTION OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES BY ULTRASOUND AND CORRELATION WITH POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS
Author(s) -
Sahar Ahmed Mahdi,
Tara Farooq Kareem,
Dhuha Farooq Abdullah
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
wiadomości lekarskie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2719-342X
pISSN - 0043-5147
DOI - 10.36740/wlek202201221
Subject(s) - medicine , consanguinity , pregnancy , ethnic group , risk factor , population , environmental health , obstetrics , pediatrics , demography , pathology , genetics , sociology , anthropology , biology
The aim: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the Iraqi population, the associated risk factors & to emphasize the importance of ultrasound examination during pregnancy especially in the high-risk group. Materials and methods: Data were collected from three private ultrasound clinics in different areas in Baghdad, where many pregnant women were examined over one year and those who had abnormal fetus were questioned about any possible risk factor. Results: The study revealed a prevalence of (14/1000). The most common anomalies are those related to the central nervous system. Some of the patients had no risk factors, others had one or more, the most important of which was consanguinity. Conclusions: The prevalence of congenital anomaly had both geographical and temporal variations, but in general, it was increasing with time and became relatively higher in the middle and south of Iraq compared with the north. This may be related to differences in ethnic, social and demographic factors as well as environmental factors, like pollution and war residues. Ultrasound had a valuable role in screening, detection and follow-up of congenital anomalies. It is a safe, available and cost-effective examination that should be offered to every pregnant woman, especially those with high-risk pregnancies.