Incidence of neural tube defects and associated anomalies in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformations after cardiac anomalies. The rate of associated malformation is reported to be 17%–80%. NTDs could also be a component of syndromic process. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the incidence of NTDs and associated anomalies. Methods: A hospital-based observational study was carried out among 6934 pregnant women referred for ultrasound. Pregnant women with NTDs were included. Detailed maternal history and clinical data were recorded. All ultrasound examinations were performed transabdominally by a radiologist using a 1–5 MHz convex array transducer (Voluson S8). Results: During this period of study, a total of 6934 pregnant women were screened and 47 cases of NTDs were detected and included, giving an incidence of 6.7 in 1000 conceptions (95% confidence interval = 5.02–8.92). NTDs were more common in mothers of age group 20–30 years. Spina bifida was the most common type of NTD in 53% of the cases. The most common type of spina bifida was meningomyelocele in 56%. The most common associated central nervous system (CNS) anomaly was Chiari II malformation. Conclusion: The most common NTD was spina bifida. CNS anomalies are more commonly associated with NTDs, followed by extremity defects.