CONGENITAL DISORDER IN NEWBORN

THE FIRST 28 DAYS OF LIFE: UNDERSTANDING CONGENITAL DISORDERS IN NEWBORN

Bringing a child into the world is a beautiful experience, filled with hopes and dreams. But some families, those early days may come with challenges and one of which is CONGENITAL DISORDERS.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or someone passionate about health awareness, understanding these conditions can help you offer the right support.

Key facts

1. Each year, millions of babies are born with congenital conditions, making it a major global concern especially in low and middle income countries where access to prenatal care may be limited.
2. An estimated 240,000 newborns die worldwide within 28days of birth every year worldwide due to neonatal disorders. Congenital disorders further cause 170,000 deaths between children of 1-5 years old.
3. Congenital disorders can contribute to long term disability, which takes a significant toll on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and the societies.
4. Poorly treated congenital diseases can lead to congenital disorders.
5. Some congenital disorders can be prevented. Vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid, adequate care before and during pregnancy are examples of prevention methods.

The neonatal period encompassing the first 28 days of a newborn is a critical and vulnerable phase. During this time infants are highly susceptible to a wide range of disease and disorders that can significantly impact their health and development.
However, neonatal disease and disorders remains a significant concern for health care professionals and parents alike.

Congenital Disorder are also known as congenital abnormalities, congenital malformations or birth defects. They can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and are present at birth. These disorders can affect almost any part of the body, including the brain, heart, limbs, or organs, and may be detected before birth, or later in life.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF CONGENITAL DISORDERS.

Sometimes the causes may be unknown. But in many cases, it can be linked to;

1. Genetics
   A minority of genetic disorders are caused by genetic abnormalities i.e. chromosomal abnormalities (for e.g. Down syndrome or trisomy 21) or single gene defect (e.g. cystic fibrosis).
2. Socioeconomics and demographic factors
   Low income can be an indirect determinant for congenital disorders, with a higher frequency among resource-constrained families and countries. It is estimated that about 94% of severe congenital disorders occur in low- and middle-income countries. An indirect determinant, this higher risk relates to a possible lack of access to sufficient nutritious foods by pregnant women, an increased exposure to agents or factors such as infection and alcohol, or poorer access to health care and screening.
3. Environmental factors
   Exposure to toxins or harmful substances like alcohol, certain medications, radiation etc.
4. Maternal health
   Maternal health of the mother during pregnancy is linked to the health of the newborn. Maternal malnutrition, infection, smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption are examples of just a few health conditions and activities that can cause neonatal disorders in newborns.
5. Pregnancy Complications
   A complication of pregnancy can lead to premature birth or problems with new born e.g. gestational diabetes is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to premature birth
6. Premature birth
   Babies born prematurely have increased risk of various health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome.
7. Viral or bacterial infection
   A newborn can become infected before, during, or after birth.

Common neonatal Disorder

1. Neonatal Sepsis
2. Necrotizing Entero Colitis
3. Neonatal Jaundice
4. Respiratory Distress Syndrome
5. Preterm Birth Complications
6. Neonatal Hypoglycemia
7. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
8. Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
9. Congenital Heart Defect
10. Neural Tube Defect
11. Cerebral palsy
12. Hole in the heart
13. Down syndrome
14. Cleft lip or palate
15. Haemophilia

DIAGNOSIS AND TEST.
A health care provider can diagnose a birth defect during pregnancy, after the child is born or later during their life when symptoms become apparent.

Screening tests include;

1. Blood screen
2. Ultrasound scan
3. Serum screen
4. Anomaly ultrasound
5. Fetal MRI
6. Fetal echocardiogram

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. It usually focuses on reducing symptoms or repairing any structural abnormalities and could include;

1. Surgery
2. Medications
3. Physical therapy
4. Using devices like hearing aids, glasses, a brace, or a wheelchair
5. Educational support in school (special education)

CAN CONGENITAL DISORDERS BE PREVENTED?

Not all congenital disorders can be prevented. However, there are things to be done in order to lower the risk.
BEFORE BIRTH.
A mother should ensure that she;

1. Have a healthy diet
2. Take folic acid to help prevent neural tube defect
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Avoid alcohol and smoking or vaping
5. Get vaccinated against rubella and chicken pox if you are not immune
6. May also wants to organize a genetic testing before trying to become pregnant. Especially if there’s a history of genetic disorders in the family.

Find out more about pregnancy plan @ https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578013057755

DURING PREGNANCY
Continue to;

1. Have a healthy diet
2. Take folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects
3. Maintain healthy weight
4. Avoid alcohol and smoking
   You can also;
5. Limit exposure to environmental hazards
6. Check that all medicines taken are safe in pregnancy.
7. Avoid traveling to areas with outbreaks of infections that can cause congenital disorders.

Visit us today at Blue Gloves Hospital, 67 Edet Akpan Avenue, 4 lanes, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Or Call +2348109721819

We are ready to work this journey with you.