Birth Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects and Orofacial Clefts in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundIn the last two decades, India has witnessed a substantial decrease in infant mortality attributed to infectious disease and malnutrition. However, the mortality attributed to birth defects remains constant. Studies on the prevalence of birth defects such as neural tube defects and orofacial clefts in India have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of observational studies to document the birth prevalence of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts.MethodsA comprehensive literature search for observational studies was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases using key MeSH terms (neural tube defects OR cleft lip OR cleft palate AND Prevalence AND India). Two reviewers independently reviewed the retrieved studies, and studies satisfying the eligibility were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using selected criteria from STROBE statement.ResultsThe overall pooled birth prevalence (random effect) of neural tube defects in India is 4.5 per 1000 total births (95% CI 4.2 to 4.9). The overall pooled birth prevalence (random effect) of orofacial clefts is 1.3 per 1000 total births (95% CI 1.1 to 1.5). Subgroup analyses were performed by region, time period, consanguinity, and gender of newborn.ConclusionThe overall prevalence of neural tube defects from India is high compared to other regions of the world, while that of orofacial clefts is similar to other countries. The majority of studies included in the review were hospital based. The quality of these studies ranged from low to moderate. Further well-designed, high quality community-based observational studies are needed to accurately estimate the burden of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts in India.

Prevalence and Incidence of Orofacial Cleft Anomalies in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate Associated with Etiological Deformities in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

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Establishing Prenatal Surgery for Myelomeningocele in Asia: The Singapore Consensus

“…Asia is more diverse than North America or Europe, since it includes some of the world's least developed as well as highly developed countries. The prevalence of NTDs in the countries in Asia varies considerably by geographical areas, with a reported prevalence between 0.2 and 58 per 1,000 births [11][12][13] . We have conducted a PubMed search for an actual prevalence of MMC in various parts of Asia.…”

Neural Tube Defects and Associated Congenital Malformations in Intrauterine Dead and Stillborn Foetuses- A Cross-Sectional Study

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