Authors
1 Department of Infertility, Azadi Teaching Hospital
2 Department of Constructive Surgery & Burn, Azadi Teaching Hospital
3 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Kirkuk University
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of birth defects increased abruptly in recent years especially in Iraq. The etiology may be related to either genetic or environmental factors. Material & Method: In this cross sectional study that is conducted in Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk city in Sonographic unit & delivery room. A total of 1814 prenatal fetuses and postnatal newborns with their mothers were involved in this study. All the fetuses or newborns were examined for search of different fetal structural defects. The aim of the study: Was to identify the prevalence of fetal structural defects among pregnant women who attending Azadi Teaching Hospital. Results: Neurological defects were the most frequent detected anomaly (58.8%) followed by skeletal defects (15.4%), (10.3%) for hydropsfetalis, (7.7%) for urinary system defects, (7.7%) for cystic hygroma and only (5.1%) for facial defects. The anomaly detection rate by trans-abdominal ultrasound was (1.9%) during 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and postnatal diagnosis by physical examination was (2.5%). Conclusion: The following factors were found to involve in the etiology of fetal structural defects; family history of congenital anomalies, maternal age, multigravidas mothers, taking tonics and supplements during pregnancy, smoking, living in rural areas finally socioeconomic status.
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