Abstract
Aim of the Study- The aim of this study is to assess the role of ultrasound as diagnostic modality in detecting congenital anomalies.
Materials and Methods- This observational study was carried out in the obstetric unit of a tertiary care centre in Kerala for a period of one year. All the pregnant women who delivered in the hospital after 14 weeks of gestation for period of one year were included in the study. All pregnancies terminated after detection of anomalies by ultrasound were included in the study. All fetuses and new born babies were examined by the pediatrician and sex, birth weight and type of anomaly was noted. Details of anomaly scan were noted.
Results- During the study period, 15227 babies were born, of which 379 had congenital malformations, making the prevalence 2.48 %. Out of the total malformed fetuses, anomaly was picked up by ultrasound in 161 cases (42.48%).Anomaly was picked up before 24 weeks in 21.7 % cases and after 24 weeks in 78.3 % of the cases. Maximum detection rates were for central nervous system and genitourinary system. Maximum cases detected before 24 weeks were CNS abnormalities and cardiovascular anomalies were totally missed before 24 weeks of gestation.
Conclusion- The ultrasound detection rates of congenital anomalies have to be improved to have safe termination of pregnancy and to avoid termination in substandard settings.
Keywords: Congenital anomaly, ultrasound, detection rates.
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