Epidemiology of the neural tube defects in Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Background:Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital malformations affecting the brain and spinal cord and have a multifactorial etiology. Genetic and environmental factors have been found to cause these defects, both individually and in combination.Methods:A 2-year hospital-based prospective study was carried out from November 2013 to October 2015 to determine the incidence, types, demographics, risk factors, and other associated anamolies relevant to NTDs in Kashmir Valley. A detailed history of the mother was taken along with detailed clinical examination of neonate including measurement of head circumference and checking the status of fontanella, whether lax/full/bulging/or tense, type of NTD. Investigations that were done included were X-ray skull: Anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral, X-ray spine: AP and lateral, ultrasonography abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging: Spine and brain.Results:The total number of babies with NTD's was 125 with an overall incidence of 0.503. Kupwara district was having the highest incidence (1.047) and Srinagar district the lowest incidence of NTD's (0.197). Majority of NTD's (116 cases, 92.8%) were found in the rural areas. Among the different types of NTD's, spina bifida had an incidence of 0.342 (85 cases, 68%) and anencephaly had an incidence of 0.113 (28 cases, 22.4%). There was a slight preponderance of females over males with NTD's. There were 70 females (56%) and 55 males (44%), respectively, with a male: female ratio of 0.8:1Conclusions:The incidence rates of NTDs is very high for Kashmir Valley. Geographical distribution of NTDs at this place confirms a relationship between the socioeconomic status, educational status, maternal too young or advanced age, and environmental factors for the development of a NTD. The results of this study point to the importance establishing a health policy to prevent NTD in Kashmir Valley.

Birth prevalence and risk factors of neural tube defects in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This might be explained by older women’s less likelihood of taking supplements that contain folic acid 116. With respect to education, the findings agreed well with studies conducted in Pakistan32 and India 117. The meta-analysis of 45 studies also illustrated45 those uneducated women have a higher risk of giving birth to a child with NTDs.…”

“…116 With respect to education, the findings agreed well with studies conducted in Pakistan 32 and India. 117 The meta-analysis of 45 studies also illustrated 45 those uneducated women have a higher risk of giving birth to a child with NTDs. In Ethiopia, only a limited number of women were aware of and had access to periconceptional folic acid usage to avert the untoward consequence of NTDs, except for Open access women residing in urban areas.…”

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from neglected meningocele

“…The long-term follow up results for adults with sacral myelomeningocele are not as good as in children because other neurological abnormalities such as hydromyelia, syringomyelia, tethered cord, Chiari malformations, and hydrocephalus accompany this lesion. [ 3 ]…”

“…A neural tube defect (NTD) is a common congenital anomaly with an incidence of 6.57–8.21 per 1000 live births. [ 1 3 ] Patients usually present early because of obvious swelling or due to neurological deficit. However, neglecting the obvious cystic swelling on the back till adulthood is rare.…”

Fetal malformation in maternal toxoplasma and rubella co-infection in Cameroon: a case report

“…Neural tube defects such as anencephaly have been shown to have a multifactorial etiology, such as folic acid deficiency, genetic disorders, socioeconomic status, educational status, and exposure to a variety of environmental toxins [2, 3]. Congenital infections such as toxoplasmosis and rubella are known to play a non-negligible role in the development of brain malformations [1, 4].…”