Factors Of Neural Tube Defects Research Articles

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

ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to identify potential risk factors in the Ethiopian context.Study designSystematic review and meta-analysis.Study participantsA total of 611...

Neural tube defects among new borns: a cross-sectional study.

Neural tube defects are a major public health issue that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence, magnitude, and associated factors of neural tube defects. As a result, the purpose of this study was to evaluate neural tube defects and associated factors in JUMC. This study was an institution-based cross-sectional study conducted from June to September 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from previous literature. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variables with a p-value < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant with neural tube defects. The prevalence of NTDs in this study was 3.6%. Preterm newborns with GA < 34 AOR 2.9(1.2-9.7), newborns with birth weight b/n 1,000-1,499 AOR 5.2(1.1-9.4), born with weight b/n 1,500-2,499 AOR 2.1(1.3-8.7), exposure to smoke AOR 2.1(1.2-8.8), radiation AOR 6.8(1.3-14.5), at least one history of abortion AOR 10.1(7.2-21.0) and mothers with AED intake AOR 5.7(2.3-18.4) were found to be associated significantly. The results indicated a significant frequency of neural tube abnormalities in newborns. The use of AEDs, abortion, and radiation have all been linked to those NTD cases. Pregnant women are advised to learn more about the need of beginning prenatal care as soon as possible because the aforementioned issues will be addressed during this treatment.

Biomarkers of Choline Metabolism in Women of Reproductive Age in Southern India

ObjectivesInadequate maternal choline intake during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy and child health outcomes – and has been identified as a potential risk factor for neural tube defects. However, there is limited data on biomarkers of choline metabolism in women of reproductive age (WRA), and few representative population-level data from India. The objective of this analysis was to examine biomarkers of choline metabolism and their correlates in WRA, as part of a population-based biomarker survey in Southern India.MethodsParticipants were WRA (15–40y; n = 980) who were not pregnant or lactating. Free choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, methionine, and trimethylamine N-oxide concentrations were evaluated via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were used to examine sociodemographic (e.g., age, parity), dietary (e.g., frequency of animal source food intake), and anthropometric (e.g., body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, waist-hip ratio) correlates of biomarkers of choline metabolism, including betaine concentrations and betaine to choline ratio (B:C).ResultsBetaine concentrations (GM: 44.2 μmol/L [95% CI: 43.4, 45.0]) were 4-fold higher compared to free choline (11.1μmol/L [10.9, 11.2]) levels, with an average B:C of 4.0 [3.9, 4.1]. Increased age (β: −0.01 [SE: 0.002], P < 0.0001), multiparity (multiparous/primiparous vs. nulliparous, P < 0.0001), and increased frequency of animal source food intake (poultry, p = 0.004; red meat, p = 0.01), were associated with lower B:C. Higher BMI (betaine: β: −0.004 [SE: 0.002], p = 0.02; B:C: β: −0.02 [SE: 0.002], P < 0.0001), waist circumference (betaine: −0.002 [0.001], p = 0.02; B:C: −0.01 [0.001], P < 0.0001), and waist-hip ratio (betaine: −0.31 [0.15], p = 0.04; B:C: −1.02 [0.16], P < 0.0001), were also associated with lower betaine concentrations and B:C.ConclusionsIn this population, higher BMI and central adiposity were associated with lower betaine concentrations and B:C. Findings from this biomarker survey will inform prospective research on the role of choline biomarkers in the health and nutritional requirements of WRA.Funding SourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (5U01DD001007), University of South Carolina Disability Research and Dissemination Center; Cornell DNS; NIH T32DK007158 (HMG); NIH 5T32HD087137 (AF).

Factors Associated With Neural Tube Defects Among Newborns Delivered at Debre Berhan Specialized Hospital, North Eastern Ethiopia, 2021. Case-Control Study.

BackgroundNeural tube defects are severe congenital malformations secondary to an abnormal closure of the neural tube between third and fourth weeks of gestational ages. Neural tube defects affect birth outcomes worldwide, with an occurrence of 18.6 per 10,000 live births. In addition, neural tube defects are associated with considerable mortality, morbidity, disability, and socio-economical cost.ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with neural tube defects among newborns delivered at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2021.MethodsFacility-based case-control study design was conducted among 381 (127 cases and 254 controls) newborns delivered from June 2019 to June 2021 at Debre Berhan Specialized Hospital. Consecutive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select cases and controls, respectively. Data were collected using semi-structured checklists. Finally, data were entered using Epidata version 4.2.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. In the bivariable logistic regression model, factors with a p < 0.20 were entered into multivariable logistic regressions. Statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.05.ResultIn this study, 381 newborns (127 cases and 254 controls) participated with a response rate of 100%. In the logistic regression model, mothers who took medication during pregnancy [AOR 1.83 (95% CI 1.08–3.08)], mothers who did not take a balanced diet during pregnancy [AOR 13.46 (95% CI 7.83–23.13)], and mothers who did not take folic acid before and during the first trimester of pregnancy [AOR 1.71 (95% CI 1.01–2.94)] were significantly associated with neural tube defect.Conclusion and RecommendationMothers who took medication during pregnancy, mothers who did not take balanced diets during pregnancy, and mothers who did not take folic acid during pregnancy were the significant factors of neural tube defects. Health care professionals should focus on maternal safe drug prescription, maternal folate intake, and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.

Study of C677T Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Neural Tube Defects.

Introduction:Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) which are a group of neurulation defects resulting from failure of closure of embryonic neural tube. Among genetic factors is polymorphism in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, giving rise to a gene variant or mutant. However, in most studies directed at finding an association between MTHFR variants and NTD, there is no clear evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship.Materials and Methods:Forty diagnosed cases of NTDs and forty healthy individuals were investigated in a case–control study for presence of C677T MTHFR gene polymorphism. Serum folate and Vitamin B12 levels were estimated and MTHFR gene polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:It was found that 32 cases were homozygous with CC genotype and eight were heterozygous with CT genotype, whereas 35 controls had CC genotype and five had CT genotype. TT genotype was absent in both the groups. There was no statistically significant difference between both the groups. No evidence of association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NTDs was found.Conclusion:Although there was no evidence of association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NTDs, our study does not rule out the impact of MTHFR gene mutation on folate metabolism. The reason for absence of TT genotype and no association could be a small sample size. Larger, comprehensive, and well-designed multicentric but feasible studies involving proper subjects and appropriate and adequate controls from several hospitals may provide more meaningful data.

Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Outcome of Neural Tube Defects: A Retrospective Study

The aim was to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and outcome of neural tube defects (NTDs). A retrospective study design was applied at neonatal intensive care unit.Study subjects: A convenience sample of all (90) neonates who were admitted to the study setting during 12 months period and diagnosed as having NTDs were chosen retrospectively. Tool: One structured interview questionnaire was implemented. It included three sections: Personal and clinical data of neonates, characteristics and clinical data of neonates' mother, and associated factors of NTDs. Study results:It was indicated that 62.2% of neonates were males, 56.7% of NTDs were preterm neonates, 58.9% of neonates were delivered emergency cesarean section (CS). Concerning the discharge outcome from NICU; 46.7% of NTDs' neonates have died. The present study revealed that 55.6% of neonates having NTDs their mothers aged from 20-29 years and 44.4% had parents' consanguinity. Moreover, it was found that NTDs were more prevalent (40% and 37.8%)with mothers who were multigravida &lt;4 and &gt;4 and 76.7% were multipara &lt;4.28% of congenital anomalies (CAs) neonates were having NTDs; 53.3% of NTDs were spina bifida followed by 40% were hydrocephalus and 4.4% were encephalocele. The study results found that recurrent abortions 30% and diabetes mellitus (DM) 4.4%among mothers of the studied neonates before current pregnancy. In addition; 15.6% were taking drugs, 7.8% had an infection, only 6.7% were taking folic acid, and 4.4% had gestational diabetes during current pregnancy.

Risk factors associated to neural tube defects among mothers who gave birth in North Shoa Zone Hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2020: Case control study.

IntroductionNeural tube defects affect the brain and the spinal cord of the developing embryo. The defects occur due to incomplete or failure of closure of the neural tube. The condition eventually causes death and lifelong disability. Worldwide, more than 300,000 babies are born with neural tube defects each year. The highest burden is in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk factors associated with neural tube defects among mothers who gave birth in North Shoa Zone Hospitals.MethodsA hospital based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 243 (81 cases and 162 controls) study participants in North Shoa Zone Hospitals. The hospitals were selected using simple random sampling and all cases and randomly selected controls in the selected hospitals were included in the study. The data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire.ResultsDifferent factors were identified to have association with neural tube defect. Family annual cash income less than 24000ETB (AOR: 3.73, 95%CI: 1.35, 10.26), history of still birth (AOR: 3.63, 95%CI: 1.03, 12.2), history of abortion (AOR: 6.15, 95%CI: 2.63, 18.56), preconception tea use (AOR: 2.36, 95%CI: 1.15, 4.86) and pesticides/chemical exposure (AOR: 5.34, 95%CI: 1.77, 16.05) were positively associated factors. In contrast, preconception care (AOR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.39) and taking iron/folic acid/multivitamin during the current pregnancy (AOR: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.33) showed a protective effect.ConclusionFamily annual income less than 24000ETB, history of still birth, history of abortion, preconception tea uses and pesticides/chemical exposure were associated factors of neural tube defects. Preconception counseling and screening should be recommended for women who plan for pregnancy.

Pattern and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects, Khartoum-Sudan

Pattern and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects, Khartoum-Sudan

Study of A1298C MTHFR Gene Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Neural Tube Defects in the Eastern Algerian Population

Background: As C677T mutation, A1298C mutation in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in a decreased MTHFR activity but to a less extent, it is known as a risk factor of predisposition to human neural tube defects (NTDs), in some populations. Our objective was therefore to study, for the first time in Algerian population, if A1298C polymorphism confers risk for the occurrence of this abnormality. We have examined the distribution of the genotype and the allele frequencies of A1298C mutation, and also their influence on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentration. Patients and Methods: We studied this polymorphism in 38 mothers of NTD cases and 67 control individuals of an eastern Algerian population. The mutation was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR/RFLP). Plasma homocysteine concentration was analyzed using an automated chemiluminescence method. Results: No signi?cant association could be observed between allele and genotypes frequencies of A1298C MTHFR gene polymorphism and NTDs risk. However, we could observe that A1298C polymorphism affects homocysteine metabolism in mothers of NTD cases leading to homocysteine concentration values higher in AA genotype and lower in AC/CC genotypes (15.29 ± 11.8 μmol/l vs. 8.63 ± 3.83 μmol/l, p Conclusion: Data indicate that A1298C MTHFR gene polymorphism might be a risk factor by affecting homocysteine metabolism in mothers of Algerian children with NTDs.

Effects of dietary fumonisins on nutrients digestibility in weanling pigs

Submitted 2020-06-15 | Accepted 2020-07-01 | Available 2020-12-01 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.mi-fpap.23-28 The aim of the study was to ascertain the potential effects of fumonisins on nutrients’ digestibility in the gastrointestinal tract. Eighteen (n= 6 x 3) weanling pigs from the age of 35 days were administered 0, 15 or 30 mg/kg dietary fumonisins (FB1, FB2 and FB3) for a period of 21days, after an acclimatization period of 14 days. Titanium dioxide (0.5%) was added as indigestible marker to the feed and representative fecal samples were taken during a 5-day collection period in order to determine the digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, starch, ash, calcium, phosphorus and energy. The final body weights, cumulative feed intake and relative organ weights of all groups were were not influenced by treatment (p&gt;0.05). Digestibility of energy, crude fiber, ash, calcium and phosphorus were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the control group relative to either 15 or 30 mg/kg treated pigs. These findings suggest that fumonisins in a dose of 15 or 30 mg/kg potentially distorts total tract nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs and thus, compromise the nutritive value of the mixed feed. Keywords: fumonisins, pigs, gastrointestinal tract, nutrients digestibility References Association of Official Analytical Chemists. (2000). AOAC International, Gaithersburg, 17. ed MD, USA. Bartók, T. et al. (2010). Detection and characterization of twenty-eight isomers of fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin in a solid rice culture infected with Fusarium verticillioides by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time-of-flight and ion trap mass spectrometry. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 24(1), 35–42. Bouhet, S. and Oswald, I.P. (2007). The intestine as a possible target for fumonisin toxicity. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 51(8), 925–931. Choct M. (2009). Managing gut health through nutrition. British Poultry Science, 50(1), 9–15. Ewing, W.N. (2008). The Living Gut. 2. ed. Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press. Gbore, F.A., Yinusa, R.I. and Salleh, B. (2010). Evaluation of sub-chronic dietary fumonisin B1 on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of rats. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9(38), 6442–6447. Gbore, F.A. (2007). Effect of dietary fumonisin B1 on histomorphology and histopathology of organs of pubertal boars. American-Eurasian Journal of Scientific Research, 2, 75–79. Gbore, F.A. and Egbunike, G.N. (2007). Influence of dietary fumonisin B1 on nutrient utilization by growing pigs. Livestock Research for Rural Development, Volume19, Article #93. Retrieved June 5, 2020 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/7/gbor19093.htm Gelineau-van Waes, J. et al. (2009). Maternal fumonisin exposure as a risk factor for neural tube defects. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 56, 145–181. Grenier, B. and Applegate, T. (2013). Modulation of intestinal functions following mycotoxin ingestion: Meta-analysis of published experiments in animals. Toxins, 5(2), 396–430. Harrison, L.R. et al. (1990). Pulmonary edema and hydrothorax in swine produced by fumonisin B1, a toxic metabolite of Fusarium moniliforme. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2(3), 217–221. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2002). Working group on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Some traditional herbal medicines, some mycotoxins, naphthalene and styrene. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, 82, 1–556. Islami, F. et al. (2009). Oesophageal cancer in Golestan Province, a high-incidence area in northern Iran - a review. European Journal of Cancer, 45(18), 3156–3165. Merrill, A. H. et al. (2001). Sphingolipid metabolism: roles in signal transduction and disruption by fumonisins. Environmental Health Perspectives, 109(2), 283–289. Nelson, P.E., Desjardins, A.E. and Plattner, R.D. (1993). Fumonisins, mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species: biology, chemistry, and significance. Annual Review of Phytopathology, 31, 233–252. Rheeder, J.P., Marasas, W.F. and Vismer, H.F. (2002). Production of fumonisin analogs by Fusarium species. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(5), 2101–2105. SPSS. (2012). SPSS for Windows version 20, SPSS: Chicago, IL, USA. Tóth, Á. et al. (2000). Effect of low doses of the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 on the body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion rate of pigs. Agriculture, 6, 149–151. Â

Management of prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum obesity from the FIGO Pregnancy and Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee: A FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) guideline

Management of prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum obesity from the FIGO Pregnancy and Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee: A FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) guideline

Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects in a Sample of Iranian Population From Southern Iran: A Hospital-based Investigation

Background and Aim: The risk factors of the Neural Tube Defects (NTD) have been previously described but there are ethnic and geographical variations. Data from the Iranian population is still scarce. The objective of the current study was to investigate the NTDs risk factors in a large sample of Iranian patients admitted to a single center. Methods and Materials/Patients: This case-control study was performed within five years from 2012 to 2017 in Namazi Hospital of Shiraz, a tertiary referral center for neonatal anomalies in the south of Iran. One hundred newborns with NTDs were included in the study as the case group and 200 healthy newborns as the control group. We recorded the baseline characteristics including the maternal variables (age, weight, height, previous pregnancy and gravidity, gestational age), newborn information (birth weight, clinical diagnosis, clinical findings in the examination, and clinical findings in radiologic test) and medical history of the perinatal period. Results: The baseline characteristics of the mothers were matched in both groups. NTDs were associated with lower folic acid intake during pregnancy (66% vs. 78%; P=0.030; OR 95% CI=1.82) and before pregnancy (P=0.002; OR95% CI=2.36). The prevalence of NTD was significantly higher in patients who lived in hot climates (P=0.001). Conclusion: Taking adequate folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of NTDs in the Iranian population. Hot climate zones were associated with an increased risk of NTDs in Iran.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Neural Tube Defects in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neural tube defects remain a major problem in developing countries, but there are limited comprehensive national reports to date in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of neural tube defects and associated factors in Ethiopia. Electronic databases and other sources were used to retrieve studies. Fifteen out of 862 studies were included in the final analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of neural tube defects among children in Ethiopia was 63.3 cases per 10 000 children. The pooled prevalence of spinal bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele was 41.09, 18.90, and 1.07 per 10 000 children, respectively. Previous family history and unplanned pregnancy were risk factors for neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy was found to be protective. Neural tube defects are widespread in Ethiopia. Hence, fortification of food with folic acid or folic acid supplementation during childbearing age is recommended.

Neural Tube Defects and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia.

Background:Neural tube defects are a major public health problem and substantially contribute to morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. There are a paucity of data on the magnitude and associated factors of neural tube defects in Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting.Objective:This study aimed to assess the magnitude of neural tube defects and associated factors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia.Methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed from October 2019 to January 2020. A total of 420 newborn-mother pairs were included consecutively. Data were collected using a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The magnitude of neural tube defects was 5.71% (95% CI: 3.5-7.9). Approximately 83.5% of infants had spinal bifida and 16.5% anencephaly. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, preterm birth (32-34 weeks) (AOR= 3.84; 95% CI: 2.1,10.7), low birth weight (1000-1500 g) (AOR = 4.74; 95% CI: 1.8, 9.1), 1500-2500 g (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2. 1, 13.2), maternal coffee consumption (AOR = 11.2; 95% CI: 3.1, 23.7), a history of abortion or stillbirth (AOR = 9.6; 95% CI:7.6,19.4), radiation exposure (AOR = 5.0; 95% CI:1.6,14.3), and intake of anticonvulsant drugs during pregnancy (AOR = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.5,16.2) were factors associated with neural tube defects.Conclusion:In this study, the burden of neural tube defects was 5.71% among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, which was a public health concern. Increased attention to the monitoring of neural tube defects in eastern Ethiopia is crucial to improve birth outcomes in the study setting.

Association between maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus and spina bifida: A population-based case-control study, Finland, 2000-2014.

Maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) is a known risk factor for neural tube defects. We examined the association between maternal PGDM and spina bifida in the offspring using PGDM status from medical records in Finland. We conducted a nationally representative, multiregistry, population-based case-control study in Finland. Cases were included if they were live or stillborn infants and diagnosed with spina bifida and delivered between years 2000 and 2014 in Finland. Controls were Finnish infants without spina bifida or other major structural birth defects and delivered during the same time period as cases. Clinical and demographic data were obtained by linking multiple national health registers and census. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PGDM were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Interaction by maternal obesity was examined. Our study included 181 spina bifida cases (61% isolated) and 876,672 controls. Overall, 2.2% percent of all case, and 0.5% of control mothers, had PGDM during pregnancy. Maternal PGDM was significantly associated with an increased odds of spina bifida (adjusted OR 4.35; 95% CI 1.37, 13.82). A similar association was found in our subanalysis on isolated spina bifida cases (adjusted OR 4.41; 95% CI 1.07, 18.24). There was no significant interaction by maternal obesity. Maternal PGDM was positively associated with spina bifida in Finland, and maternal obesity did not modify this effect. We lacked information on maternal PGDM for electively terminated and spontaneously aborted cases; results should be interpreted with caution.

About risk factors of Neural Tube Defects in hereditally extended marriage

About risk factors of Neural Tube Defects in hereditally extended marriage

Frequency and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects In Samsun Province

Abstract Background: Neural tube defects (NTD) are a group of severe human congenital malformations and complex disorders appear to be affected by multiple factors, both genetic and environmental contributions. Aim: To asses the frequency of NTD in Samsun province and investigate the relationship between NTD and sociodemographic properties of families, maternal eating habits, maternal serum folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels. Study design : Case- control study Method: The women who gave birth to infants with NTDs and whose pregnancies were terminated due to having fetuses with NTDs between July 2007 and September 2008 were included in the study. The frequency of NTD was calculated from medical records for Samsun province. Sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, obstetric histories teratogen exposure and vitamin B12 and folic acid levels of study group were compared with controls. Results: In the study period, 63 fetuses with isolated NTD were noted. The frequency of NTD in Samsun region was %o3,4. In the study group, family incomes , maternal education and consumption of meat, milk, egg, cheese, vegetable, and legumes were lower than the control group (p<0.05). Sharing of the house with grandparents, unemployment rate, rate of febrile diseases, use of antipyretics, exposure to radiation were higher (p<0.05). Both maternal serum vitamin B12, folic acid in NTD group were lower than controls. Conclusion: The frequency of NTD in Samsun region was relatively high. NTD was more frequent in individuals with poor maternal education, low income, and insufficient nutrition. Low serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels posed an increased risk for NTD. The importance of the vitamin supplements during pregnancy is to be better appreciated by the health authorities as well as the families.

Risk factors of neural tube defects: a study

Risk factors of neural tube defects: a study

Risk factors of neural tube defects: A reality of Batna region in Algeria

BackgroundNeural tube defects (NTDs) are severe birth defects, with genetic and/or environmental risk factors. AimThe objective of this study was to analyze data on NTDs cases at the Batna Maternity Hospital and to investigate some environmental and two genetic risk factors suspected in the etiology of NTDs. Subjects and methodsThis study was conducted on 82 healthy participants and 48 mothers with an NTD child. Peripheral blood samples were collected, in EDTA tubes and frozen at −20°C until DNA extraction by conventional method. Genetic analysis of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism was determined by real time PCR, while cystathionine-beta-synthase 844 insertion was investigated by traditional PCR. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate differences in the distribution of data. The odds-ratio was also calculated. A P-value less than 0.05 were significant. ResultsThe incidence of NTD in Batna region was 1.58 per 1000 births. The rate of NTD was significantly higher in females than males, highest affected NTD newborn’s was observed in mothers aged between 25 and 29 years and the consanguinity among all NTD cases was 30%. Data showed no significant association of NTDs with personal education, obesity, diabetes, but regarding folic acid consumption, about 86% of NTD’s mothers in our region didn’t take pre-conceptional supplementation with this vitamin .Genetic factors results didn't show a significant association of NTDs with specific mutations of the variant C677T MTHFR, and no gene-gene interaction of CBS insertion and C677T polymorphism was found, despite a significant difference in heterozygote frequency of CBS 844ins68 genotype between NTD’s mothers and controls, OR: 2.85(1.18–6.88). ConclusionNTD represents a real public health problem in Batna, Algeria. Various genetic and/or nutritional factors are implicated, although the mechanism is not clear. We suggest that further research should continue planning for preventive measures and effective treatment to reduce the incidence of NTDs in Algeria.

Neural tube defects: Risk factors and preventive measures.

For the last 25years, it has been proven that the occurrence or recurrence of neural tube defects can be prevented with the administration of folic acid before and early pregnancy. At present, over 80 countries in the world, except Japan, have mandated the fortification of wheat flour and/or rice with folic acid, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the prevalence of neural tube defects. In 2000, the Japanese government recommended folic acid 400μg daily for young women of childbearing age and women who are planning to conceive. In 2002, the government started to present information about the importance of folic acid in the development of fetuses in the Mother-Child Health Booklet annually. Despite these endeavors, the prevalence of neural tube defects has remained unchanged. We discuss the risk factors of neural tube defects and propose preventive measures to decrease the number of neonates with neural tube defects. We believe that the government should implement the fortification of staple food with folic acid very soon, which will eventually decrease not only the neonatal mortality and morbidity, but also the economic burden on our health care system.