Risk factors of congenital pediatric surgical birth defects: a case control study

ABSTRACT

Birth defect is a global health problem. Serious birth defects are life threatening or have the potential to result in disability. In Egypt the prevalence of birth defects is increasing, it reached 3.2% of all births [1998]. The present study was earned out to identify different potential risk factors for birth defects and estimate the magnitude of risk for each factor Identified. A case control study was carried out in the Pediatric Surgical Department of El Shatby University Hospital in Alexandria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Gastrointestinal tract [GIT] is the most commonly encountered system for birth defect [53.0%]. Only 11.0% of cases were diagnosed during pregnancy. Boys were more encountered than girls. The final model of multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high maternal education, unplanned pregnancy, medical problems prior to pregnancy and eating contaminated raw food were significant contributing factors that increased risk of birth defects. No significant associations were found between cases and controls as regards consanguinity parental age, housing and working conditions, family and reproductive history. A pre- pregnancy visit was recommended to identify risk factors and allow for appropriate testing and guide for better changes to improve chances of having a healthy baby