Abstract
BACKGROUND: Birth defects are a significant contributor to neonatal and under-five deaths. The majority of birth defects, once diagnosed, need multidisciplinary referrals. A Birth Defect Clinic (BDC) was therefore initiated as a one-stop clinic where all concerned specialists are available at the same place and time. An integrated approach to managing birth defects can possibly improve patient care and outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary BDC in managing antenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 1549 antenatal patients counseled at the BDC was conducted. Data on epidemiology, prognosis, management options, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common anomalies diagnosed were of the genitourinary system (35.95%), followed by cardiovascular system (21.82%), central nervous system (19.75%), and gastrointestinal (7.74%) anomalies. 61.8% of patients could be contacted for postnatal follow-up, with 21.5% not undergoing any postnatal evaluation. 12.58% of patients underwent Medical Termination of Pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The BDC provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing birth defects, improving patient care and outcomes.