Prevalence and severity of visible malformations in the town of Mbujimayi

Uwonda Akinja; Tshiunza Mpoyi; Kateba Mutuadila; Kadima Muteba; Kabula Kayemba; Mualaba Nsubila; Ntendeshi K

Volume : V, Issue : X, October - 2015

Prevalence and severity of visible malformations in the town of Mbujimayi

Uwonda Akinja, Tshiunza Mpoyi, Kateba Mutuadila, Kadima Muteba, Kabula Kayemba, Mualaba Nsubila, Ntendeshi K

Abstract :

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and evolution of visible malformations in the town of Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Material and methods. This was a descriptive study retro and prospective. It has been conducted over a period of 8 years in 25 hospitals and 39 maternity hospitals and health centers in the town of Mbujimayi. Data collection sheets were filled under the supervision of physicians responsible for the medical training. Every newborn, either normal or malformed, have been examined by a doctor. Results. We have found 36 malformed newborns for 100 000 births or a prevalence of 0,04%. The most affected parts of the body were the limbs (41.4%), the face (13.1%), skull (10.9%), spine (9.9%), abdominal / thoracic wall (9, 6%) and generalized malformations (9.0%). The malformations that have caused the most deaths have involved the spine (44.4%), abdominal / thoracic wall (40.0%), generalized malformations (39.4%) and the skull (25.0%). Conclusion. Our study found 36 newborns with visible congenital malformations for 100 000 births in Mbujimayi; but this prevalence is surely underestimated. Further studies are needed to identify the prevalence of non–visible malformations and to find the causative factors of malformations in our town.