The prevalence and characteristics of polydactyly in neonates: A retrospective study of two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Polydactyly is a congenital anomaly characterized by additional fingers and/or toes, with varying prevalence rates and characteristics across different populations. The current study investigated polydactyly's prevalence and characteristics between January 2015 and December 2022 retrospectively at two tertiary hospitals, one in Riyadh and one in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data on the type and location of polydactyly, together with associated anomalies, were examined. The study identified 176 cases of polydactyly, with the majority (77%) in Riyadh. The average diagnosis was at age 8.9 months; there was a notable male predominance (57%). Over the 8 years examined, the polydactyly prevalence rate among 95 452 Saudi neonates was 97 per 10 000 live births. The occurrence was greater in the upper (49%) than in the lower limbs (33%). Unilateral cases were seen in 47% of hands and 23% of feet, and bilateral cases in 26% of hands and 22% of feet. In addition, the most prevalent form of polydactyly in both hands and feet was postaxial, observed in 34% and 30%, respectively. In contrast, the preaxial type was observed in 15% of hands and 3% of feet. Family history, additional anomalies, and other health conditions were noted in 10%, 45%, and 34% of cases, respectively. The higher occurrence of polydactyly in the hands and its predominant unilateral manifestation, together with its association with familial patterns and specific syndromes, emphasizes the potential interplay between genetic and environmental factors.