Pattern of anorectal malformations in Sudan

Abstract

Anorectal malformations are a congenital malformation in which the terminal portion of the hindgut lies partially or completely outside the sphincter mechanism. To determine the pattern of anorectal malformations among Sudanese children a multicentric cross sectional study included all newborn babies admitted with imperforated anus during the period from Jan 2012 to Dec 2013. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. The study included 59newborn babies their mean age was 2.6 ± 1.2 days (range, 1- 6 days), with male predilection; male to female ratio was 1.7:1. The defect was high in 61%. Male patients had a tendency to develop high imperforated anus (31/37 (83.8%)), whereas females had a tendency to develop low variety (13/22 (59.1%)), p=0.000. Associated fistula was seen in 18 (30.5%) patients, and 5.1% had a family history of imperforated anus. Coexistent anomalies were seen in 16.9%, and the commonest were genital anomalies and Down syndrome that observed in 6.8% and 3.3% respectively. The presence of co-existent anomalies was not affected by pattern of the condition, maternal age or gender (p> 0.05). In conclusion malesare affected morethan females and theyhad high defects more frequently. Females were more likely to have low lesions. The most common associated defects were genital anomalies and Down syndrome.