Congenital Abnormalities

The term congenital abnormality refers to any aberration that occurs during foetal development. Any of the major organs, such as brain, heart, lungs kidney and limbs may be involved. The severity of these aberrations may range from cosmetic anomalies to life threatening conditions. About 2–3 per cent of all babies have what is called a major physical anomaly. This is something that either impacts the way certain things look, or how they work. Birth defects involving the brain are the most common problems. They concern about 10 per 1000 live births, compared to heart problems, at 8 per 1000, kidney problems at 4 per 1000, and limbs at 1 per 1000. All other physical anomalies together occur in 6 per 1000 live births. Birth defects of the heart have the highest risk of death during childhood. They are the cause of 28 per cent of infant deaths due to birth defects, while chromosomal abnormalities and respiratory abnormalities each account for 15per cent, and brain malformations about per cent. About 10 per cent of deaths in children are because of a genetic disease.

Many congenital anomalies can be diagnosed before birth and there is a wide variety of treatment options available depending on the type and severity of the anomaly.