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. 2014 Dec;35 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S68-71.

Epidemiology of neural tube defects in Saudi Arabia

Essam AlShail  1 , Edward De Vol, Ahsan Yassen, Essam A Elgamal
Affiliations

Epidemiology of neural tube defects in Saudi Arabia

Essam AlShail et al. Saudi Med J. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the distribution and pattern of neural tube defects in Saudi Arabia by creating a hospital based registry.

Methods: All cases registered in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) neural tube defect (NTD) registry since it was established in October 2000 until December 2012 were studied through active surveillance comprising a registrar who collects NTD information by reviewing the patient's medical records, and interviewing patient's families.

Results: The total number of patients registered from October 2000 to December 2012 was 718 patients. There were more females (417, 58%) than males (301, 42%). Of 620 mothers who underwent antenatal ultrasonography; 392 (63%) were diagnosed at birth, and 204 (33%) were diagnosed with antenatal hydrocephalus. In our registry sample, most mothers (95%) did not take folic acid 3 months prior to pregnancy, and 76% did not take folic acid during the 3 months after conception with the affected child. Only 5% received folic acid prior to conception.

Conclusion: The KFSH&RC-NTD registry has met its objectives as a source of data that may significantly contribute to the prevention of NTDs, and improving quality of care for NTD patients through active publication of registry findings and management approaches.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mothers with ultrasonography and stage of neural tube defect diagnosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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