Pattern of Paediatric Poisoning - A 3 Year Retrospective Study in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra

Abstract

BACKGROUND Objective-To determine the number of congenital anomalies which were detected antenatally in antenatal scans and those detected during the postnatal period in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective cross sectional study was done for 1 year. All normal and LSCS deliveries were included in the study. All pregnant registered women were screened for congenital anomalies at around 20 weeks of gestation. Postnatally, all babies with the risk of congenital anomalies detected on the antenatal scan and those with normal antenatal scan but definite/suspected congenital anomalies at birth were evaluated further. RESULTS From a total of 3200 registered pregnant cases which were antenatally scanned,  Number of congenital anomalies detected was 134.  Number of pregnancies terminated due to congenital anomalies which were incompatible with life was 40.  Babies with normal antenatal scans but postnatal defects were 29. CONCLUSION For the detection of foetal anomalies and well-being, antenatal scan should be mandatory in all pregnant women irrespective of outcome of the pregnancy. Early assessment of foetal condition would help us prepare in advance for the anticipated outcome and transfer the baby to the higher centre if necessary or option of MTP can be offered in case of poor prognosis. BACKGROUND The incidence of congenital anomalies has increased due to the greater awareness among people, lately. It has become mandatory for pregnant women to undergo at least 3 ANC scans for assessing the gestational age, congenital anomalies, foetoplacental well-being. The incidence of congenital anomaly being 9% with perinatal death and 2% associated with major defect, the USG scan has gained more importance in detecting foetal anomalies. The 18-20 week foetal anomaly scan is considered watershed in most pregnancies because for the majority of women it will be the last time they will be scanned before they deliver. The scans provide the clinicians with better information because by now the babies were better developed and the functioning of various organs could be assessed.