ASSOCIATION OF COVID-19 AND OTHER EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACTORS WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS IN PARAÍBA

Abstract

Congenital anomalies are developmental disorders of embryonic origin present at birth, with a high morbidity rate, and represent one of the main causes of infant mortality. Their etiology is associated with environmental factors such as physical, chemical, biological or genetic. In view of the above, this study aims to verify the prevalence and associated factors of live-born children with congenital malformations in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital-PB. This is a cross-sectional/observational research carried out during the years 2022 and 2023, after approval by the ethics committee, where the data were obtained through a questionnaire or taken from the medical records. Of the 136 patients, 68 (50%) women had babies with some congenital malformation and 68 (50%), control group, did not have any malformation. Parameters such as birth weight, newborn length, Apgar score, gestational age, use of supplements, and presence of family malformations were significant among the groups studied (p<0.05). Malformations related to the musculoskeletal system (62.3%), followed by the nervous system (32.8%) and digestive system (23%) were the most prevalent. Investigation of the prevalence of the main malformations, as well as analysis of risk factors and protective factors, enables interventions to be carried out in the preconception and gestational period, as well as conduct during childbirth, supporting public policies on maternal and child health that include new care practices.