M Aloui1, K Nasri2, N Ben Jemaa3, A M Ben Hamida4, A Masmoudi3, S S Gaïgi3, R Marrakchi5. 1. Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, université de Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia. Electronic address: aloui.meriem@gmail.com. 2. Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, université de Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia. 3. UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia; Service de médecine préventive, faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia. 4. Laboratoire de génétique, immunologie et pathologie humaine, faculté des sciences de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia. 5. Faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the high risk of recurrence of congenital malformations, there are no well-accepted preventive measures in developing countries like Tunisia. It is recommended that thorough epidemiological studies of congenital anomalies in this country are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency and types of congenital anomalies in Tunisia and research some risk factors associated with occurrence of these anomalies. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all the fetuses who were autopsied during 21years period from February 1991 to December 2011 (n=9678) at Service of embryofetopathology in the Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis (CMNT) were studied. The classification of malformations was based upon the anatomical system affected. The differences in fetal/maternal characteristics between cases with or without congenital malformations were assessed using Chi2 test. RESULTS: Of the all 9678 autopsied fetuses, 4498 (46.47%) were diagnosed as being malformed fetuses. Anomalies of limbs (22.71%) and digestive and abdominal wall defects (14.76%) were mostly detected, followed by congenital brain defects (13.41%) and nephrourologic abnormalities (11.23%). A marked association of parental consanguinity with increased congenital anomalies rates was found (P<10-6, OR=1.89, CI=1.69-2.13). CONCLUSION: In Tunisia, surveillance and epidemiological evaluation of congenital anomalies underline the high frequency of these events. This will help to better target congenital anomalies prevention and screening policies in our population.
BACKGROUND: Despite the high risk of recurrence of congenital malformations, there are no well-accepted preventive measures in developing countries like Tunisia. It is recommended that thorough epidemiological studies of congenital anomalies in this country are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency and types of congenital anomalies in Tunisia and research some risk factors associated with occurrence of these anomalies. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all the fetuses who were autopsied during 21years period from February 1991 to December 2011 (n=9678) at Service of embryofetopathology in the Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis (CMNT) were studied. The classification of malformations was based upon the anatomical system affected. The differences in fetal/maternal characteristics between cases with or without congenital malformations were assessed using Chi2 test. RESULTS: Of the all 9678 autopsied fetuses, 4498 (46.47%) were diagnosed as being malformed fetuses. Anomalies of limbs (22.71%) and digestive and abdominal wall defects (14.76%) were mostly detected, followed by congenital brain defects (13.41%) and nephrourologic abnormalities (11.23%). A marked association of parental consanguinity with increased congenital anomalies rates was found (P<10-6, OR=1.89, CI=1.69-2.13). CONCLUSION: In Tunisia, surveillance and epidemiological evaluation of congenital anomalies underline the high frequency of these events. This will help to better target congenital anomalies prevention and screening policies in our population.