Congenital malformations encompass a wide spectrum of structural anomalies affecting almost any organ system, from isolated limb differences to complex multi-organ syndromes. This session on Congenital Malformations focuses on early detection, multidisciplinary assessment, family counselling, and coordinated long-term care. Participants will explore how advances in prenatal imaging, genetic testing, and neonatal care have changed the landscape of diagnosis and management, while also introducing new ethical and communication challenges.

Specialists and generalists alike look to Neonatology Conference for guidance on navigating the complexity of these conditions across settings and resource levels. In this session, attendees will review approaches to systematic examination of newborns, targeted investigations based on clinical clues, and use of imaging and laboratory tests to clarify anatomy and aetiology. The role of clinical genetics, dysmorphology assessment, and genomic sequencing in identifying underlying syndromes will be explored, alongside discussion of limitations, variants of uncertain significance, and implications for families.

A central theme is building robust pediatric congenital anomaly care pathways that support children and families beyond the initial diagnosis. Participants will discuss coordinated care models involving neonatology, surgery, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, nursing, psychology, and social work. Case examples will highlight common and complex scenarios, including craniofacial anomalies, neural tube defects, limb differences, abdominal wall defects, and multi-system syndromes. The session will emphasise functional outcomes, quality of life, and participation in everyday activities as key measures of success.

The session also addresses ethical dimensions such as prenatal counselling, decision-making about interventions, and communication around prognosis and potential disability. Equity considerations, including access to surgery, rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and inclusive education, are woven throughout. Attendees will consider how to provide honest, hopeful information, avoid stigma and fatalism, and partner with families in navigating care systems. By the end, participants will have practical frameworks, language, and coordination strategies to improve care for children born with congenital malformations and to support their families over time.