Neural tube defects in newborns

ABSTRACT

To study the incidence of neural tube defect [anencephaly, spina bifida cystica and encephalocele] in patients delivered at the Princess Badeea Teaching Hospital in Broth Jordan, and to discuss the possible ways to reduce them. We reviewed all cases of neural tube defects referred to, and delivered at this main referral hospital in the North of Jordan between 1st of January 1995 and 31st of December 1996. During the study period, there were 55 cases of neural tube defects [2.91000 birth], of these 26 cases of spina bifida cystica [1.36/1000], 10 cases of encephalocele [0.52/1000], and 19 cases of anencephaly [0.99/1000]. The overall female to male ratio was 10.77. The mot common site of spina bifida was the dorsolumbar in 13 [50%], lumbosacral 5 [19.3%], cervical 4 [15.4%], lumbar 3 [11.5%]. There were 10 cases 10 cases of encephalocele, in 9 [90%] cases the encephalocele was occipital. Five [50%] cases of encephalocele was associated with other malformations while 19 [73%] of spina bifida cases were associated with other malformations. The incidence of neural tube defects is high because of increased awareness, and antenatal diagnosis of neural tube defect. We able to reduce such by advising women in the childbearing age to take daily vitamins which contain folic acid before they become pregnant