Distribution of congenital birth defects and the value of early diagnosis using ultrasound at the National hospital of obstetries and gynecology during 3 years from 2001 to 2003

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound (US) is currently contributing to early detection of congenital birth defects (CBDs) but its diagnostic value is not yet systemically assessed. Objectives: To describe the distribution of CBDs among children born at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2001 to 2003 and to assess the effectiveness and diagnostic value of US. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving all mothers and their fetuses/newborns with CBDs at the NHOG from Jan 2001 to Dec 2003. Results: The number of fetuses with CBDs detected during the 3 years was 933, accounted for 2.7%. CBDs of the central nervous system and the head-face-neck area accounted for 36.2%; followed by abdominal organs (33.0%), bones and extremities (17.0%), thorax (9.0%) and others. The percentage of CBDs detected at gestational age from 12 to 23 weeks has increased two-fold from 2001 to 2003. Conclusions: The percentage of CBDs detected during the 3 years was 2.7%, with CBDs of the central nervous system and the head-face-neck area accounted for 36.2%; followed by abdominal organs (33.0%), bones and extremities (17.0%), thorax (9.0%). US played the 1st role leading to suspicion of CBDs (39.7%). For fetuses less than 32 weeks, 2-D and 3-D US have diagnostic values of more than 97%.