The Risk Factors Associated with Congenital Anomalies in Newborns

Background: Congenital anomalies are a physical impairment that occurring to baby at birth. About 10% of anomalies are caused by teratogenic effect, including chemicals, viruses, physical agents, and medications. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of congenital anomalies in newborns. Methods: 332 infants with congenital anomalies (case group) and 332 healthy infants (control group) were compared in this case-control study, which was conducted in Akbar Abadi Hospital from April 2016 to April 2017, on infants who are diagnosed with congenital anomalies, based on a first pediatric examination. The data obtained from these infants were analyzed, based on questionnaires and clinical records. Results: The adjusted odds ratio (OR) estimate of congenital anomalies were 1.045 for increasing maternal age, 2.47 for consanguineous parents, 4.42 for positive maternal disease (hypertension, Diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) compared to negative maternal disease, 1.92 for cesarean section compared to natural vaginal delivery, 3.02 for positive history of abortion compared to negative history of abortion, 1.136 for father’s age, 2.47 for smoking mothers compared to non-smoking mothers, 3.27 for mothers with the history of having child with abnormality compared to mothers who did not have child with abnormality, and 0.91for gestational age. Conclusions: maternal disease, the history of having child with abnormality, and the history of abortion were the most effective factors in anomalies. In the next step, the consanguineous parents, smoking, the type of delivery, and father’s age were important risk factors. Finally, maternal age and gestational age had significant effect on anomaly.