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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Cleft Lip and Palate | Research article

Burden and consequence of birth defects in Nepal-evidence from prospective cohort study

Authors: Prajwal Paudel, Avinash K. Sunny, Rejina Gurung, Abhishek Gurung, Honey Malla, Netra B. Rana, Nawaraj KC, Ram Narayan Chaudhary, Ashish KC

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Every year an estimated 7.9 million babies are born with birth defect. Of these babies, more than 3 million die and 3.2 million have disability. Improving nationwide information on prevalence of birth defect, risk factor and consequence is required for better resource allocation for prevention, management and rehabilitation. In this study, we assess the prevalence of birth defect, associated risk factors and consequences in Nepal.

Method

This is a prospective cohort study conducted in 12 hospitals of Nepal for 18 months. All the women who delivered in the hospitals during the study period was enrolled. Independent researchers collected data on the social and demographic information using semi-structured questionnaire at the time of discharge and clinical events and birth outcome information from the clinical case note. Data were analyzed on the prevalence and type of birth defect. Logistic regression was done to assess the risk factor and consequences for birth defect.

Results

Among the total 87,242 livebirths, the prevalence of birth defects was found to be 5.8 per 1000 live births. The commonly occurring birth defects were anencephaly (3.95%), cleft lip (2.77%), cleft lip and palate (6.13%), clubfeet (3.95%), eye abnormalities (3.95%) and meningomyelocele (3.36%). The odds of birth defect was higher among mothers with age < 20 years (adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) 1.64; 95% CI, 1.18–2.28) and disadvantaged ethnicity (aOR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.46–2.18). The odds of birth asphyxia was twice fold higher among babies with birth defect (aOR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.41–2.51) in reference with babies without birth defect. The odds of neonatal infection was twice fold higher among babies with birth defect (aOR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.12–2.96) in reference with babies without birth defect. Babies with birth defect had three-fold risk of pre-discharge mortality (aOR 3.00; 95% CI, 1.93–4.69).

Conclusion

Maternal age younger than 20 years and advantaged ethnicity were risk factors of birth defects. Babies with birth defect have high risk for birth asphyxia, neonatal infection and pre-discharge mortality at birth. Further evaluation on the care provided to babies who have birth defect is warranted.

Funding

Swedish Research Council (VR).

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Title: Burden and consequence of birth defects in Nepal-evidence from prospective cohort study
Authors: Prajwal Paudel
Avinash K. Sunny
Rejina Gurung
Abhishek Gurung
Honey Malla
Netra B. Rana
Nawaraj KC
Ram Narayan Chaudhary
Ashish KC
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02525-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Burden and consequence of birth defects in Nepal-evidence from prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Funding

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Funding

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