Prevalence Rate of Congenital Fetal Malformations in Second Trimester by Ultrasound Scanning in Zagazig University Outpatient Clinic

Abstract

Background: All pregnancies are at a risk of producing congenital malformations, though only some of them are at a greater risk. Congenital anomalies its problem in which abnormalities of structure, function or body metabolism resulting in physical or mental disability or it may be fatal.
Objective: This study aimed for early detection of major fetal anomalies to improve fetal and maternal outcome.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study that include 422 pregnant females was carried out at the Ultrasound Unit and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University during the period from December 2018 to July 2019.
Results: Ultrasonography can identify at least 35-50% of major fetal malformations with a specificity of 90-100%. Though other methods of screening like biochemical markers and karyotyping are available, ultrasonography has the advantage of being non- invasive, safe, fast, accurate and reproducible with real time display, causing no discomfort to the patient at any time of gestation.
Conclusions: The Prevalence of congenital fetal malformations (CFMF) among the study participants using ultrasonography scanning was 3.6%. The most prevalent anomalies were Hydrops fetalis and CVS anomalies. Therefore screening for congenital anomalies in obstetric sonography is an important component of primary healthcare for maternal and child health.