The prevalence of neural tube defects in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Neural tube defects (NTDs) consist of a variety of central nervous system abnormalities, most of which result from a lack of closure of the neural tube. <b>Aims and Objectives:</b> The study aimed to determine the prevalence of NTDs among women delivering in the labor room suites of a tertiary health institution in North-Western Nigeria. <b>Subjects and Methods:</b> This was a 3-year prospective study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in association with the Department of Pediatrics. All neonates delivered in the labor rooms were examined for NTDs soon after birth. Those diagnosed with NTDs were admitted into the special care baby unit for observation and documentation. <b>Results:</b> There were 10, 163 deliveries and NTDs were present in 22 cases, thus giving a prevalence of 2.2/1000 deliveries. The common types of NTDs were spina bifida 72.7% (16/22), anencephaly 22.7% (5/22), and encephalocele 4.6%. There was a preponderance of females, with a female to male ratio of 1.4:1. Hydrocephalus was the most common associated anomaly 36.4% (8/22). The mothers were mainly within the age range of 20-35 years 59.1% (13/16), parity 2 or more and of low-socioeconomic status. Diagnoses were made by antenatal ultrasonography 50% (11/22) and clinically (50%) after delivery. The perinatal mortality was 81.8% (18/22). <b>Conclusion:</b> The prevalence of NTDs in this study is in consistent with literature. Improvement in maternal nutrition and antenatal folate intake is recommended.