TITLE:
Prevalence of Major Fetal Defects in Fallujah, Iraq
AUTHORS:
Muntaha Al-Alwani, Ahmed Sameer Alnuaimi
KEYWORDS:
Antenatal Diagnosis, Fetal Anomalies, Fallujah, Obstetrical Ultrasound
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.4 No.9,
June
26,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background: The prenatal
prevalence of congenital anomalies in Iraq is still under debate because of
deficiencies in diagnostic capabilities and low reliability of medical
registration. Early antenatal diagnosis of fetal defects is important for early
counseling, intervention and possible fetal therapy. Objectives: The aim of
this study was to estimate prenatal frequency of major congenital anomalies and
malformation patterns diagnosed by ultrasound in Fallujah city. Patients and
Methods: A cross-sectional study using the recorded data of antenatal diagnosis
of major fetal congenital anomalies conducted in Fallujah Hospital—Fetal
Medicine Clinic for a period of 20 months (January 2012 to August 2013). During
this period one or more obstetrical ultrasound examinations were performed for
2120 pregnant ladies. Results: A total of 178 cases with obvious fetal
anomalies were diagnosed. The prenatal prevalence of congenital anomalies was
84 per 1000. The median maternal age at diagnosis was 29 ± 6.3 years. The mean
gestational age at diagnosis was 27 weeks ± 5 days. Extremities and urinary
system anomalies were the most frequently detected anomalies. Conclusion: The
prevalence of structural fetal malformation diagnosed by ultrasound in Fallujah
city is obviously higher than internationally reported figures.