DefinePK

Abstract

Background: This study seeks to fill a critical gap by systematically comparing the surgical outcomes in neonates diagnosed antenatally versus postnatally with congenital abdominal wall defects. This study aims to address this gap by systematically comparing surgical outcomes including survival, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and need for reoperation between antenatally and postnatally diagnosed cases of congenital malformations.
Materials and Methods: This was a multicentric, retrospective cohort study conducted across four tertiary care neonatal surgical centres equipped with advanced prenatal diagnostic facilities and specialized neonatal surgical units. Data was collected over a period of five years.
Results: Neonates with antenatal diagnosis had earlier surgical intervention (1.5 vs 3.2 days, p < 0.001). The AD group had lower postoperative complications (24.3% vs 38.5%, p = 0.008) and reduced mortality (6.5% vs 13.3%, p = 0.04). Preterm birth, low birth weight, and multiple malformations were independent risk factors for poor outcomes.
Discussion: This multicentric retrospective study provides robust evidence that antenatal diagnosis (AD) significantly improves surgical outcomes in neonates with congenital malformations, reinforcing the critical role of prenatal screening and coordinated perinatal care. Our findings align with but also expand upon prior single-centre studies by demonstrating consistent benefits across diverse healthcare settings, including both high-resource and low-to-middle-income (LMIC) centres.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that antenatal diagnosis is a transformative intervention for congenital malformations, reducing mortality, complications, and healthcare burdens. By prioritizing universal prenatal screening, regionalized care, and foetal therapy research, clinicians and policymakers can ensure equitable access to these life-saving benefits