RESUMO
Neural tube defects [NTDs] are the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system, resulting from failure of the neural tube to close between 3rd - 4th week of gestation. NTDs result from multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including maternal folate deficiency. Although clear evidence exists on preventability of a large proportion of neural tube defects by periconceptional folk acid intake, however the exact cause of this deficiency is not established. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine possible risk factors for the occurrence of NTDs. The relation between maternal serum folate and vitamin B[12] and their infant's levels. Patients and methods: Clinical history and examination, and serum folic acid and vitamin B[12] concentrations [by Radioimmunoassay] were assessed for 20 neonates with neural tube defect [36-39 week of gestation, 11 females and 9 males] and their mothers. They were compared to 20 healthy neonates and their mother as a control group. Infants with NTDs have significantly lower serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12, compared to healthy infants [p = 0.02 and p = 0.001] respectively. Serum level of vit B12 was significantly lower in mothers of infants with NTDs than mothers of healthy infants [p = 0.01], but there was no significant difference between serum level of folic acid in mothers of infants with NTDs and mothers of healthy infants. There was no significant difference between males and females as regards serum levels of both folic acid and vit B12. Positive correlation was found between gestational age and serum level of folic acid [p = 0.01]. Also, statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum level of vitamin B12 of infants With NTDs and their momers. [p =0.031]. There was significant correlation between serum level of folic acid and serum level of vitamin B12 in mothers of healthy infants [p<0.05]. The study demonstrated that not only folate is deficient in infants with neural tube defects, but vitamin B12 is also deficent in them and their respective mothers. This finding focuses light on the pivotal role vit.B12 deficiency as a corner stone of folate deficiency So deficiency of vitamin B12 rather than folic acid during pregnancy might play a role in the genesis of neural tube defects