Neural tube defects in Kuwait: an overview study

ABSTRACT

One hundred and seventy seven patients with neural tube defects [NTD] were ascertained clinically and genetically in order to provide an overview of the neural tube defects in Kuwait, and to study some risk factors which may contribute to NTD. Of these patients, 48 cases were delivered in the maternal hospital, out of 11125 total live births making an incidence of 4.3/1000 which is considered high. The male to female sex ratio was 11.46. The mean maternal age was 27.44 +/- 6.17 while the mean paternal age was 32.54 +/- 7.69. Polyhydramnios was associated in 53.7%, abnormal presentation in 14.1%, associated anomalies in 38.4%, abnormal mode of delivery in 27.1% and prematurity in 19.8%. Chromosomal abnormalities was recorded in one case [0.6%] while autosomal recessive inheritance was recorded in 7.9%, multifactorial inheritance in 88% and genetic uncertain in 3.4%. The range of clinical manifestations showed wide spectrum of variability including meningocele / myelomeningocele at different sites [62%] anencephaly [24.9%], inencephaly [5.1%], Meckel Gruber [6.81%] and myelomeningocele with VATER association [0.5%]. Young maternal age, parity, polyhydramnios abnormal presentation and abnormal mode of delivery were found to be risk factors