Neural tube defect-specific infant mortality in the United States

Abstract

Enhanced prevention efforts are needed to address the disparities in infant deaths due to NTDs between Hispanics and other populations, as well as women under 20 years. Decreases in NTD-specific IMRs may have been impacted by fortification of enriched grain products with folic acid since these efforts were optional beginning in 1996. While there are limitations in cause-specific IMRs, NTD-specific IMRs can be used as one measure to assess the impact of public health interventions aimed at reducing NTDs, respectful of the relatively small numbers.