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Poster Display - 7
Epidemiology and risk factors of congenital anomalies managed by the paediatric surgery unit at greater accra regional hospital: a three-year review
Ambe Nana Esi Obbeng 1, Dorinda Norbertha Lee 2, Nana Ama Christian 2
1 Greater Accra Regional Hospital ( GARH), Ridge, Accra, Ghana
2 Department of Surgery, GARH
Purpose: Congenital anomalies pose a significant challenge to neonatal health in low- and middle-income countries, straining paediatric surgical resources. In Ghana, limited epidemiological data hinders effective surgical interventions. This study investigates the prevalence, spectrum, and maternal risk factors of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted to the paediatric surgery unit via the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective review of NICU admissions from June 2022 to June 2025 was conducted. Data on anomaly type, sex, birth weight, gestational age, associated anomalies, mortality, maternal age, antenatal care, folic acid supplementation, and delivery location were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence and patterns, while logistic regression identified maternal risk factors.
Results: Among 104 neonates, 56.7% were male, 40.4% female, and 2.9% had ambiguous genitalia. Birth weight was predominantly 2.6–4 kg (54.8%), with 35.6% at 1.5–2.5 kg. Gestational age ranged from 34–40 weeks (69.2%). Prevalent anomalies included Hirschsprung’s disease/meconium plug (21.2%), anterior abdominal wall defects (19.2%), and anorectal malformations (11.5%). Congenital heart disease was associated in 12.5% of cases, with a mortality rate of 19.2%. Significant risk factors were maternal age >35 years (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.14–4.63, p=0.02), lack of periconceptional folic acid (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.27–6.62, p=0.01), and non-facility delivery (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.47–8.33, p<0.01).
Conclusion: Gastrointestinal and abdominal wall defects predominate, with high mortality highlighting the urgent need for enhanced surgical capacity. Promoting folic acid supplementation, early antenatal screening, and facility-based deliveries is essential. Establishing a national congenital anomaly registry could optimize surgical planning and improve neonatal outcomes in Ghana.