Incidence of Neural Tube Defects in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital Over One Year (2006-2007)

Abstract

Background: The neural tube defects (NTDs) are still one of the commonest serious malformations in the world, and a major cause of still birth and infant deaths.Aim of the study: To estimate the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to identify some of the possible risk factors for their occurrence.Patients and method: Across- sectional study was carried out in the maternity ward at Al-Yarmmok teaching hospital in Baghdad. All live and still births delivered over a one year period from March 2006 to March 2007 were included and assessed for the presence of NTDs. The demographic characteristics and general information of all the neonates and their mothers were collected by direct inter view of mothers using special questionnaire form.Result: the incidence of NTDs was 10.7/ 1000 total birth, while it was 7.4/ 1000 live births and 242.4/1000 sill births. Spina bifida was the most common type of NTDs observed among the affected cases 15 (60%). Mother’s age, parity, resided in rural area and positive family history of NTDs all these factors showed statistical significant association with the occurrence of NTDs, in addition the results revealed the incidence of NTDs was 14.8/ 1000 births among neonates born to mothers not received folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.Key words: Incidence, NTDs.

Keywords

Incidence, NTDs.