The prevalence and risk factors of spina bifida in infants and children in Taif city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Spina bifida is one of the neural tube defects substantially related to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. A complex of environmental and genetic factors has been a risk factor for spina bifida. This study aims to assess the prevalence of spina bifida and related risk factors in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done at Taif Hospitals, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted by reviewing medical files of all infants and children born with spina bifida between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. All files fulfilling the inclusion criteria were reviewed for data extraction using pre-structured data extraction sheet. Results: A total of 15 infants and children with spina bifida among 43,890 live births in Taif city were identified with an incidence of 3.5 per 100,000 children. Among the 15 studied subjects, 9 were females, and the other 6 children were males. The exact of nine (60%) children with spina bifida had Myelomeningocele. Mothers ages at child delivery were 30 years or more was among 60% of the cases mothers. Two-thirds of cases mothers had no folic acid supplements during pregnancy. Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study revealed that spina bifida was around the global reported incidence, which was more common with more serious complications among females. Lack of folic acid supplementation at the periconceptional period was found to be the most reported risk factor.