Incidence of congenital anomalies in a rural population of Jammu - A prospective study.

Background: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a major cause of stillbirths and neonatal mortality in India. Its magnitude and pattern reportedly vary over time and across geographical locations.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to estimate the incidence of CAs in community development block RS Pura of District Jammu.

Methods: The present study is a community-based prospective study. The field workers were trained with the help of "Birth Defect Surveillance" Atlas issued by WHO and ICBDMS (International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring Systems) 2014. Pregnant women (registered or unregistered) with all health institutions in RS Pura Block on or after April 1, 2014, were followed till September 2015 for the ascertainment of CAs. All CAs detected during antenatal period (by ultrasonography), after delivery and abortion at any site were counted as events and classified by organ system according to the 10th version of the WHO International Classification of Diseases-10.

Results: A total of 1670 mothers were followed till their pregnancy outcome was recorded. Among 1600 live births recorded, 54 babies had CAs resulting in the incidence rate of 33.7/1000 live births. The incidence rate was comparatively higher among women aged <20 years (71.4/1000 live births) and with Para 4 (43.5/1000 live births) as compared to other women. Digestive system was the most common system involved (35%) followed by the Central nervous system (26.6%). The U-shaped pattern in the incidence of CAs with regards to parity and maternal age was observed.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the CAs continue to occur in Jammu at a similar magnitude as reported from other parts of the country.