Abstrakt

The Patterns and Risks Factors Associated with Birth Defects Among New Borns : A Review Report

Berhanu Kindu*, Assefa Agegnehu

Birth defects are series of abnormalities of infants that occur during the period of pregnancy which are also termed as congenital disorders, congenital anomalies, congenital malformations and congenital abnormalities. The frequently observed birth defects include congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, musculoskeletal defects, urogenital problems and Down syndrome. Congenital abnormalities can develop at any time of the pregnancy, from conception to birth. Genetic factors, sociodemographic factors, medical and drug factors, reproductive and obstetric factors, and environmental factors have been implicated in the risk factors of congenital anomalies. The aim of this article is to elaborate the types and risk factors associated with birth defects among new borns. It is important to researchers, health planner, policy maker, governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working on the issues of birth defect prevention and control; and other stake holders such as health professionals in designing interventional project towards improving child health and reducing morbidity and mortality due to birth defects.