Background: Congenital anomalies are among the leading causes of fetal loss, despite it can be identified prior to birth through advanced technology in expert hands. Our research aimed at estimating the prevalence of congenital anomalies in Sudan. Methods: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study combined with a community-based survey through a telephone interview was implemented on a purposive convenient sample of 138 participants. The data were computerized in Epi Info 7. Google Earth Pro enabled to collect the geographical coordinates for the residence of the participants. Descriptive statistics were performed through SPSS 23 and ArcGIS 10.3 was used to generate the geographical distribution map of congenital defects to visualize the catchment areas of Soba Ultrasonography Unit. Results: Of the 138 participants, the estimated prevalence of congenital defects was 2.2/10,000 live births. The ultrasonography screening revealed that neural tube defects were the most prevalent anomalies with 13.0% (18/138), which represented 47.4% (18/38) of all defects. Concerning children, a mortality rate of 23.2% (32/138) was reported. Conclusions: The child mortality rate post ultrasound screening of 23.2%, and the neural tube defects being the most common anomalies appealed to Sudan health authorities for focusing on more preventive antenatal practices to strengthen and promote maternal and child health.

Background The use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is intriguing in view of its safety profile in pregnancy and historical precedence of the use of plasma for other viral illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CCP in pregnant women with early COVID-19 infection. Methods This is a retrospective case series study. We have included seven pregnant women admitted with early COVID-19 infection to a tertiary care hospital, Latifa Maternity Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between 12 February and 04 March 2021 and who consented to receive COVID-19 convalescent plasma as part of their treatment plan. Main outcomes measured were clinical and radiological features, laboratory tests, WHO clinical progression scale pre and post treatment, and maternal, fetal outcomes. COVID-19 clinical severity was classified according to the NIH guidelines for criteria of SARS-CoV-2. For the radiological features, a modified chest X-ray scoring system was used where each lung was divided into 6 zones (3 on each side upper, middle, and lower). Opacities were classified into reticular, ground glass, patchy and dense consolidations patterns. Results Seven pregnant women with early COVID-19 were enrolled in this study, their mean age was 28 years (SD 3.6). Four had comorbidities: 2 with diabetes, 1 with asthma, and 1 was obese. Five patients were admitted with a WHO clinical progression score of 4 (hospitalized; with no oxygen therapy) and 2 with a score of 5 (hospitalized; oxygen by mask/nasal prongs). Upon follow up on day 10, 6 patients had a WHO score of 1 or 2 (asymptomatic/mild symptoms) indicating clinical recovery. Adverse reactions were reported in 2 patients, one reported a mild skin rash, and another developed transfusion related circulatory overload. All patients were discharged alive. Conclusion CCP seems to be a promising modality of treating COVID-19 infected pregnant women. However, further studies are needed to ascertain the efficacy of CCP in preventing progressive disease in the management of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women.