RESUMO
Objective To detect the spatial point pattern distribution rules of neural tube defects.Methods The kernel density estimation and Ripley's K-function were used to analyze the spatial point pattern of the neural tube birth defects in Heshun county in 1998-2001.Results The kernel density estimation result showed that there was two clusters' distribution in central area and southeastern area respectively.In addition,the result by the Ripley's K-function presented that the location of neural tube birth defects had a significant cluster tendency in the spatial distance from 3.17 to 10.41 kilometers in the investigated area.Conclusion These results can provide an important clue for identifying the relations between environment risk factors and birth defects in this area in the future.