Congenital malformations--a retrospective study of 10,000 cases.

The frequency of congenital malformations in a retrospective study done on 10,000 consecutive births from January 1983 to March 1989 was 3.6%. The predominant system involved was CNS. Major malformations constituted 79.7% of the total. Malformations were seen 4 times more often among still births. The common malformations in still births were also of CNS. The frequency of malformations was similar in both the sexes, though genitourinary anomalies were commoner among male, while anencephaly in female babies. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of congenital malformations was observed with decreasing gestation and birth weight. There was a significant correlation between maternal factors, like previous abortions, drug intake and fever during 1st trimester, diabetes mellitus, pre-eclamptic toxemia, antepartum hemorrhage and congenital malformations in the baby.