Clinical Profile of Pediatric Patients with Neural Tube Defects in a Tertiary Hospital in Davao City, Philippines: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives : The study aimed to describe the clinical profile of pediatric patients with Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in a tertiary hospital in Davao City from January 2014 – January 2019. Methodology: The study used retrospective descriptive research design through chart review in the Medical Records Section of a tertiary hospital in Davao City. Pediatric patients 0 to < 19 years old with final diagnosis of neural tube defects and/or its types admitted from January 2014 to January 2019 were included. Results: The main outcome measures of the study were demographic profile of NTD, maternal risk factors, associated congenital anomalies and its outcome. Majority (41%) of NTDs seen from January 2014 to January 2019 were newborns 0-day old presenting with open type of NTDs, 68% of them died before 24 hours of life. The median maternal age upon delivery is between 19 to 34 years old. Its occurrence in both sexes were equally distributed. Maternal infection (24%) followed by poor prenatal check – up (20%) were the identified maternal risk factors for the defect. Teenage mothers have a significant increased risk of having a child with NTD. Cases seen were mostly located in the cranium. Seventy-four percent (74%) of cases reviewed had open type NTDs with myelomeningocoele as the most common subtype. Sixty percent (60%) of the cases were discharged alive but suffered from complications, of which hydrocephalus is the most common. Among the 49 mothers sub-grouped based on history of prenatal intake of folic acid, it revealed that none to poor intake of folic acid is proportional to mothers with poor prenatal check – up. These non - takers of folic acid also have five times chance of bearing anencephalic child. Conclusion: This study supported the government’s mandate on maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy. With NTDs’ high mortality rate and debilitating complications, multidisciplinary management approach and intensification of health prevention strategies are needed to improve the quality of life of every child. Keywords: Neural Tube Defects, Congenital Anomalies, Folic Acid DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/106-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2023