CONGENITAL-ANOMALIES IN BLACK SOUTH-AFRICAN LIVEBORN NEONATES AT AN URBAN ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

Study objective. The aim was to study the spectrum of clinical problem s and outcomes in infants born at an urban academic hospital. In conse quence, as part of the overall study, the incidence of congenital anom alies and the outcomes of affected infants were recorded. Design. This was a prospective, hospital-based study, undertaken on liveborn infan ts born over a 3-year period, 1 May 1986 to 30 April 1989. Setting. Ka lafong Hospital, Pretoria. Main results. A total of 17 351 liveborn in fants was examined and the total congenital anomalies incidence was 11 ,87 per 1 000 livebirths. The central nervous system was the system mo st frequently involved (2,30 per 1 000 livebirths), followed by the mu sculoskeletal system (2,13 per 1 000 livebirths). The commonest indivi dual congenital anomaly was Down syndrome (1,33 per 1 000 livebirths), followed by neural tube defects (0,99 per 1 000 livebirths) and ventr icular septal defects (0,69 per 1 000 livebirths). In 11% (2,25 per 1 000 livebirths) of neonatal deaths, infant loss was attributable to co ngenital anomalies. Conclusions. The incidence of congenital anomalies in black South African neonates, horn in an urban setting, is as high as in other First- and Third-World countries, and the incidence of so me individual congenital anomalies is higher. This study indicates the need for further research and the establishment of prenatal, genetics and paediatric facilities to manage these problems.