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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Folic Acid | Research article

Incidence of neural tube defects and their risk factors within a cohort of Moroccan newborn infants

Authors: Khenata Forci, El Arbi Bouaiti, Mohamed Hassan Alami, Asmaa Mdaghri Alaoui, Amal Thimou Izgua

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of birth defects that result from a partial or complete failure of the neural tube to close during embryogenesis. Their prevalence varies between 0.5 to 2 per 1000 births in countries without folic acid supplementation. The aim of our study is to assess the NTDs incidence and describe the risk factors within Moroccan newborn infants.

Method

This is a descriptive study over a period of 5 and a half years including all births at “Les Orangers” Maternity and Reproductive Health Hospital of Rabat with notification of NTD cases, whether isolated or combined with other anomalies. Data were reported on pre-established sheets and on the teratovigilance registry. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 18 statistical software.

Results

During the study period, 43,923 births were recorded including 44 cases of neural tube defects, an incidence rate of 1 per 1000 births, with a female predominance; sex ratio = 0.8. These defects included anencephaly (50%), spina bifida (38.6%) and encephalocele (11.4%). The risk factors detected during this study include consanguinity (34%), consumption of fenugreek or other plants (36%), diabetes (4.5%) and medication (2.2%). A family history of malformation was reported in 6.8% of cases and among siblings in 4.5% of cases. The average maternal age was 30.38 ± 6.88 and the average gestational age was 36.80 ± 5.11. A quarter of mothers did not benefit from any medical monitoring during pregnancy while 59% did not take folic acid supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy and none of them took B9 vitamin during the periconceptional period. The antenatal diagnosis was performed in 63% of cases. The mortality rate was 3.8 per 10,000 and 16% of cases evolved positively.

Conclusion

NTDs require high intensity and multidisciplinary care which stresses the importance, in our context, of strengthening and optimizing acid folic supplementation strategies during the periconceptional period.

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Title: Incidence of neural tube defects and their risk factors within a cohort of Moroccan newborn infants
Authors: Khenata Forci
El Arbi Bouaiti
Mohamed Hassan Alami
Asmaa Mdaghri Alaoui
Amal Thimou Izgua
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Folic Acid
Spina Bifida
Encephalocele
Spina Bifida
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02584-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Incidence of neural tube defects and their risk factors within a cohort of Moroccan newborn infants

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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