Congenital anomalies in rural black South African neonates--a silent epidemic?

摘要: Study objective. To ascertain the incidence and spectrum of congenital anomalies in neonates born a rural hospital. Design . This was prospective, hospital-based study, undertaken on liveborn over period 12 June 1989 - 31 December 1992. Setting Mankweng Hospital, Sovenga, Northern Transvaal. Main results. Of total 10 380 during this period, 7 617 (73,4%) were examined within first 24 hours life. On basis published observations, only 26,2% severe diagnosable by age 5 years are at birth. In South African study finding birth severe, externally visible 14,97 per 1 000 livebirths could mean that minimum cumulative may involve 57,14 children. Extrapolating from other ThirdWorld studies, such communities affect up to 84,85 children years. High incidences neural tube defects (3,55 livebirths) Down syndrome (2,10 livebirths), both conditions which can be prevented prenatal screening, recorded. Conclusions These figures indicate necessity for inclusion appropriate prenatal, genetic, family planning paediatric facilities into primary health care delivery system areas, manage problems initiate programmes reduce selected as defects.