Congenital Anomalies of the Alimentary Tract in Children: Experience in a Tertiary Health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Congenital anomalies including those of the alimentary tract are among the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality. A variety of these anomalies could affect the alimentary tract with various medical as well as economic costs. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of the different forms, maternal as well as birth characteristics and outcomes of the congenital anomalies of the alimentary tract in hospitalized children in Enugu.

Methods: A 3 year retrospective audit of all hospitalized cases of alimentary tract anomalies was carried out. Case definitions of the different forms of alimentary tract anomalies studied were based on International Classification of Diseases and Related Problems, Tenth Edition (ICD-10). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 while level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: A total of 59 children (37 males and 22 females) with alimentary tract anomalies were admitted during the period under review. Anorectal malformations 26(44.1%), Hirschsprung’s disease 14(23.7%) and Ompalocoele 5(8.5%) were the most common anomalies observed. Congenital talipes equinovarus deformity of the lower limbs was the most predominant associated congenital anomaly. Maternal periconceptional use of herbal medications was reported in 7 (11.9) cases.

The case fatality rate was 5.1%.

Conclusion: A variety of alimentary tract anomalies do occur in children in our setting with some mothers having taken various forms of herbal medications in pregnancy. Efforts should be made to educate mothers on the need to avoid use of herbal concoctions during periconceptional period and in pregnancy as it could lead to a possible congenital anomaly.