MAJOR CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS AMONG PEDIATRIC ADMISSIONS AT UNIVERSITY-COLLEGE-HOSPITAL, IBADAN, NIGERIA

The pattern of major congenital malformations seen at University Colle ge Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria among admitted children over a period of 5 years is reported. Their ages at presentation ranged from a few hour s to 13 years, and the majority (72.7%) presented in infancy. The male :female ratio was 1.6:1. Cardiovascular, central nervous and gastro-in testinal malformations accounted for 71.6% of all malformations. The c ommonest individual system malformations were congenital heart lesions , spina bifida, anorectal malformation and omphalocoele, while the hig hest case fatality rates were recorded in cases of oesophageal atresia , hydrocephalus, biliary atresia and posterior urethral valve. Overall mortality was 19.4%. The importance of both longitudinal and cross-se ctional studies of congenital malformations in developing countries, w hile infectious diseases and malnutrition are being controlled, is emp hasized.