The prevalence and pattern of central nervous system anomalies in a neonatal unit in a tertiary hospital in Jos, north-central Nigeria

Background: Congenital anomalies are an important cause of neonatal deaths, chronic illness, and disability and are most common in low- and middle-income countries. Central nervous system (CNS) congenital anomalies are one of the most common abnormalities. Information on the burden and types of CNS anomalies will facilitate health system planning and an efficient allocation of scarce resources. We determined the prevalence and pattern of CNS congenital anomalies in a neonatal unit in Jos, north-central Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of all neonates admitted with CNS congenital anomalies into the neonatal unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) from October 2013 to September 2016 was conducted. Results: One hundred and fifty-five (14.8%) of the 1046 babies admitted during the period had congenital anomalies. Twenty-seven babies (14 males and 13 females) had CNS anomalies giving a prevalence rate of 2.6%. CNS anomalies constituted 17.4% of the 155 babies admitted with congenital anomalies. All 27 (100%) of the babies were born outside the teaching hospital, with 13 (48.2%) of them delivered at home. Neural tube defects (NTDs) were the most common CNS malformations (26; 96.3% of the CNS anomalies). Talipes equinovarus was the most common associated anomaly (6; 22.2% of the babies). Conclusion: The prevalence of CNS anomalies among admitted neonates in the JUTH is high. NTDs were the most common CNS anomalies, with myelomeningocele being the single most common disorder.