Risk factors associated with congenital central nervous system abnormalities in the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger

Introduction

Congenital malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) are morphological abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development. They constitute the second most common congenital disability, after congenital cardiac defects. Many risk factors have been identified; however, these studies included various types of congenital abnormality. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on risk factors for congenital CNS malformation, and notably in the Zinder region of Niger.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with congenital CNS malformations in the Zinder region.

Methods

In a case-control design, patients with congenital CNS malformation were enrolled between June 2022 and April 2023 in the Department of Neurosurgery of the National Hospital of Zinder.

Results

Family history of malformation (aOR:3.31, 95% CI:1.25−8.78) and consanguine marriage (aOR:2.28, 95% CI:1.23−4.20) were significantly associated with congenital CNS malformation. In contrast, folic acid supplementation (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.13, 0.89), multiparity (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.13, 0.89), and grand multiparity (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI:0.23, 0.97) had a protective effect.

Conclusion

Risk factors such as family malformation history and consanguine marriage increased the risk of developing congenital malformations of the central nervous system. In contrast, folic acid supplementation in the index period and multiparity had a significant protective effect.