Assesement of Prevalence,Types and Associated Risk Factors of Neutral Tube Defects in Pregnant Women Visiting Health Centers in Addis Abebe.
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Date
2019-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction:Central nervous system (CNS) defects are the second most common congenital
anomalies after congenital heart diseases. Neural tube defects (NTD’s) are amongst the major
CNS defects with significant public health burden and long term morbidity and functional
impairment. Central nervous system (CNS) defects are the second most common congenital
anomalies after congenital heart diseases. Neural tube defects (NTD’s) are amongst the major
CNS defects with significant public health burden and long term morbidity and functional
impairment. Many literatures recommend offering screening for NTDs to all pregnant women.
Amniotic fluid AFP (AF-AFP) and amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterease (AChE) are the primary
biochemical tests performed on amniotic fluid for detection of open neural tube defects. The
other modality used for screening of these defects is prenatal ultrasound scan.
Method:This hospital based cross sectional prospective study tried to show the utility of
ultrasound and the prevalence and pattern of occurrence of these defects.About total of 956
pregnant mothers who came to the hospital were evaluated with ultrasound scan.
Results:We found a total of 6 open NTD’s out of this group. There were 2 anencephaly, 1 Chiari
II, 1encephalocele and 1 had both anencephaly and spinabifida. Only 55 % if the respondents
took IFA supplement during pregnancy and of those who took the supplement 43% took it for a
maximum of 1 week. Of the parameters we found TCD has a strong correlation with the
calculated mean gestational age.
Conclusion and recommendation:The above findings reflect a high incidence of these defects.
The low coverage of folic acid supplement as well as poorer socioeconomic factors all would
contribute to the observed burden of the disease. Comprehensive screening and preventive
strategies must be designed. Further studies and decisions policy maker level are necessary to
improve the current figures.
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Keywords
Central nervous system,Neural tube