Neural tube defects and congenital hydrocephalus in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

A retrospective study was carried out in Oman to determine the incidence of neural tube defects (NTD) and congenital hydrocephalus (CH) and to identify any possible associations. National data retrieved from hospital records revealed the incidence of NTD in Oman to be comparatively low (1.25 per 1000), but the incidence of CH was much higher than that seen in Western Europe (0.44 per 1000) and was found to be associated with high rates of other congenital anomalies and neonatal death. There were no specific environmental factors associated with NTD and high environmental temperatures during the tropical desert summer (temperatures reach 48 degrees C) were excluded as a causative factor. In spina bifida families, later born children were more likely to be affected and there was also an association with increased maternal but not paternal age. Much higher consanguinity rates were noted in families with NTD and CH than in the general population.

Neural Tube Defects in Algeria

“…We were not able to confirm the suggestion that there is an increase risk for NTD in children born of consanguineous parents. The possibility that consanguinity could be a risk factor for NTD in a population requires further research (Murshid, 2000;Rajab et al, 1998).…”

Incidence of congenital hydrocephalus and the role of the prenatal diagnosis

“…Em relação às hidrocefalias, a incidência mundial conhecida é de 0,3 a 1,0/1.000 nascimentos 1,[9][10][11][12][13][14] . No ECLAMC, durante o período entre 1982 a 1998, a incidência registrada de hidrocefalia foi de 0,74/ 1.000 16 .…”

“…A inicidência das hidrocefalias varia de 0,3 a 1,0/1.000 nascimentos 1,9,[10][11][12][13][14] . Essas variações podem estar relacionadas a diferenças étnicas e geográficas, além de diferenças metodológicas, como casuística de base hospitalar ou populacional, inclusão ou não de natimortos e inclusão ou não de hidrocefalias secundária ao DFTN.…”

Neonatal Outcome of Abdominal Wall Defects at a Tertiary Center in Oman

“…Previous reports from Oman revealed that congenital anomalies are a major cause of death and disability in the country [25][26][27]. This could be explained partially by the high degree of consanguineous marriages in the country.…”