ABSTRACT
Anencephaly is one of the most common birth defects. This was a hospital-based case finding study that covered 60 patients with anencephaly & their respective mothers, conducted in hospitals in Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute from 2014 to 2017.METHODSThe study included 60 anencephalic foetuses (23 males & 37 females) of 20-30 weeks & 20 non-anencephalic foetuses (9 males & 11 females). Maternal history was analysed using a questionnaire which includes age factor, environmental factors, medications, family history, consanguineous marriage and febrile illness during pregnancy. The foetuses were examined for external abnormalities & dissected. Dissected foetal cerebrum & cerebellum tissues were processed & stained with H&E using tissue processor.RESULTSIn 100% of cases, all layers of cerebrum & cerebellum of non-anencephalic foetuses were normal. In anencephalic foetuses, cerebrum in 75% cases showed primitive brain cells, astrocytes & glial cells, instead of 5 layers which was described in checklist & in 25 % cases angiomatous masses were seen but primitive brain cells & astrocytes were absent. 91.7% cases of anencephalic foetal cerebellum had 5 cell stages which were the same as non-anencephalic foetuses & 8.3% cases had all the layers but ill formed granular layer. Most of the organs were normally developed. Associated anomalies were also noticed in 70% of cases.CONCLUSIONSThe study emphasizes the complexity of the aetiology behind anencephaly, variability of its presentation & yet unsatisfactory awareness among mothers about folic acid & its beneficial role in preventing anencephaly.