Neural tube defects; prevalence in population of Rahim Yar Khan

ABSTRACT

To know the frequency of NTD among total births in teaching Hospital Rahim Yar Khan and to know the possible causes of neural tube defects in area of Rahim Yar Khan. Prospective study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. One year from November 2006 to October 2007. All pregnant mothers were registered in the study but only those were selected who were diagnosed during pregnancy or after delivery as a case on NTD. Out of 6701 live births, a total of 52 cases were diagnosed at NTD. The information was collected by taking history along with ultrasound findings and biochemical tests. The incidence came out is 2-8/1000 live births. The maternal mean age was 28.9 years and more common in primigravida i.e. 33% and 30% were grand multigravida. 75.3% of women belonged to low income group, and were not taking proper balanced diet. 80% lived in Joint family and 96.2% females were house wives. 96% cases of NTD were detected by ultrasound at mean gestation of 21.66 wks. The most common NTD was anencephaly found in 67% of cases, spina bifida 29% and encephalocele was found only in 4% of cases. The male; female ratio was 23. 74% of women had Hb level less than 10 mg/dl and in 20 women the type of anaemia was macrocytic-hypochromic. Low socio-economic status, poverty and poor dietary habits may be factors for higher incidence of neural tube defects. Our study provides new data for the health care providers to improve health facilities and their utilization and iron and folic acid supplementation targeted to all women of child bearing age to prevent neural tube defects