1
|
Kamura S, Sasaki A, Ogawa K, Kato K, Sago H. Periconceptional folic acid intake and disturbing factors: A single-center study in Japan. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2022; 62:42-46. [PMID: 34750867 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated folic acid (FA) intake and disturbing factors in pregnant women who visited our center in 2017. Among 1531 pregnant women, 45.1% of women initiated FA supplementation before pregnancy. The risk of failure of supplementation was significantly lower among women of ≥35 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.43) and 30-34 years of age (aOR: 0.59) in comparison to women of <30 years of age, and among those conceived with timing/artificial insemination of husband (aOR 0.47) and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (aOR 0.32) in comparison to those conceived naturally. The risk among those with 1 (aOR 1.44) or ≥2 previous deliveries (aOR 2.75) was significantly higher in comparison to nulliparous women. Young, multiparous women, and those with natural conception should be targeted to promote preconceptional FA intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kamura
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyushu University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Aiko Sasaki
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyushu University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moussa M, Papatsoris AG, Chakra MA, Fares Y, Dabboucy B, Dellis A. Perspectives on urological care in spina bifida patients. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2021; 10:1-10. [PMID: 33614369 PMCID: PMC7882087 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2020.03077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spina bifida (SB) is a neurogenetic disorder with a complex etiology that involves genetic and environmental factors. SB can occur in two major forms of open SB or SB aperta and closed SB or SB occulta. Myelomeningocele (MMC), the most common neural tube defects (NTDs), occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 births. Considering non-genetic factors, diminished folate status is the best-known factor influencing NTD risk. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been implicated as a risk factor for NTDs. The primary disorder in the pathogenesis of MMC is failed neural tube closure in the embryonic spinal region. The clinical manifestation of SB depends on clinical type and severity. SB can be detected in the second trimester using ultrasound which will reveal specific cranial signs. The management of MMC traditionally involves surgery within 48 h of birth. Prenatal repair of MMC is recommended for fetuses who meet maternal and fetal Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) specified criteria. Urological manifestations of SB include urinary incontinence, urolithiasis, sexual dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and urinary tract infection. Renal failure is among the most severe complications of SB. The most important role of the urologist is the management of neurogenic bladder. Medical management with clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic treatment is generally considered the gold standard of therapy. However, when this therapy fails surgical reconstruction become the only remaining option. This review will summarize the pathogenesis, risk factors, genetic contribution, diagnostic test, and management of SB. Lastly, the urologic outcomes and therapies are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Moussa
- Urology Department, Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Athanasios G. Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mohamad Abou Chakra
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Baraa Dabboucy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- Department of Urology/General Surgery, Areteion Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smith MA, Oakley G. The Teratology Society adopts resolution on folic acid fortification. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:900-902. [PMID: 32686356 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Alice Smith
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Godfrey Oakley
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kubo Y, Fukuoka H, Kawabata T, Shoji K, Mori C, Sakurai K, Nishikawa M, Ohkubo T, Oshida K, Yanagisawa N, Yamashiro Y. Distribution of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Folic Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Blood Serum: Longitudinal Evaluation of Japanese Pregnant Women. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061633. [PMID: 32492914 PMCID: PMC7352618 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
“Total” folate in blood has usually been measured to evaluate the folate status of pregnant women. However, folate is composed of many metabolites. The main substrate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), with folic acid (FA) representing a very small component as an unmetabolized species in blood. We longitudinally evaluated 5-MTHF, FA and total homocysteine in maternal and cord blood from Japanese pregnant women. Subjects were 146 pregnant women who participated in the Chiba study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH) prospective cohort study. Sera were obtained in early and late pregnancy, at delivery, and from cord blood. Species levels were measured by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. Both 5-MTHF and FA levels were lower than reported levels from pregnant women in populations from countries with mandatory FA fortification. As gestational age progressed, serum 5-MTHF levels decreased, whereas serum FA levels were slightly reduced only at delivery compared to early pregnancy. A significant negative association between serum 5-MTHF and total homocysteine was shown at all examined times, but no associations with FA were evident. At delivery, cord 5-MTHF was significantly higher than maternal levels, while FA again showed no significant correlation. These results suggest that 5-MTHF is actively transported to the fetus through placental transporters and may reflect folate status during pregnancy as a physiologically important species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Kubo
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-49-282-3705
| | - Hideoki Fukuoka
- Department of Progressive DOHaD Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Terue Kawabata
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kumiko Shoji
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan; (T.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Chisato Mori
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan;
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sakurai
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan;
| | - Masazumi Nishikawa
- Department of Food Management, School of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Miyagi University, 2-2-1 Hatadate, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 982-0215, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Ohkubo
- Department of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sendai Shirayuri Women’s College, Honda-Cho, Izumi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-3107, Japan;
| | - Kyoichi Oshida
- Research & Development Department, Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2-3-3, Higashishinbash, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan;
| | - Naotake Yanagisawa
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Yuichiro Yamashiro
- Probiotics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-9-8-3F, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Z, Ho PWH, Choy MTH, Wong ICK, Brauer R, Man KKC. Advances in Epidemiological Methods and Utilisation of Large Databases: A Methodological Review of Observational Studies on Central Nervous System Drug Use in Pregnancy and Central Nervous System Outcomes in Children. Drug Saf 2020; 42:499-513. [PMID: 30421346 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0755-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies have used various epidemiological approaches to study associations between central nervous system (CNS) drug use in pregnancy and CNS outcomes in children. Studies have generally focused on clinical adverse effects, whereas variations in methodologies have not received sufficient attention. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to review the methodological characteristics of existing studies to identify any limitations and recommend further research. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on observational studies listed in PubMed from 1 January 1946 to 21 September 2017. Following independent screening and data extraction, we conducted a review addressing the trends of relevant studies, differences between various data sources, and methods used to address bias and confounders; we also conducted statistical analyses. RESULTS In total, 111 observational studies, 25 case-control studies, and 86 cohort studies were included in the review. Publications dating from 1978 to 2006 mainly focused on antiepileptic drugs, but research on antidepressants increased from 2007 onwards. Only one study focused on antipsychotic use during pregnancy. A total of 46 studies obtained data from an administrative database/registry, 20 from ad hoc disease registries, and 41 from ad hoc clinical samples. Most studies (58%) adjusted the confounding factors using general adjustment, whereas only a few studies used advanced methods such as sibling-matched models and propensity score methods; 42 articles used univariate analyses and 69 conducted multivariable regression analyses. CONCLUSION Multiple factors, including different study designs and data sources, have led to inconsistent findings in associations between CNS drug use in pregnancy and CNS outcomes in children. Researchers should allow for study designs with clearly defined exposure periods, at the very least in trimesters, and use advanced confounding adjustment methodology to increase the accuracy of the findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, Mezzanine Floor, BMA House, Entrance A, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP, UK
| | - Phoebe W H Ho
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Michael T H Choy
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, Mezzanine Floor, BMA House, Entrance A, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP, UK.,Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ruth Brauer
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, Mezzanine Floor, BMA House, Entrance A, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP, UK
| | - Kenneth K C Man
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, Mezzanine Floor, BMA House, Entrance A, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP, UK. .,Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. .,Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Benjamin RH, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Hua F, Mitchell LE. Association of interpregnancy change in body mass index and spina bifida. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1389-1398. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renata H. Benjamin
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental SciencesUTHealth School of Public Health Houston Texas
| | - Mary K. Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesBirth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch Austin Texas
| | - Mark A. Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesBirth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch Austin Texas
| | - Fei Hua
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesCenter for Health Statistics Austin Texas
| | - Laura E. Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental SciencesUTHealth School of Public Health Houston Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nishigori H, Obara T, Nishigori T, Ishikuro M, Sakurai K, Hoshiai T, Saito M, Fujiwara I, Arima T, Nakai K, Kuriyama S, Mano N, Metoki H, Yaegashi N, Saito H, Kishi R, Yaegashi N, Hashimoto K, Mori C, Ito S, Yamagata Z, Inadera H, Kamijima M, Nakayama T, Iso H, Shima M, Hirooka Y, Suganuma N, Kusuhara K, Katoh T. Preconception folic acid supplementation use and the occurrence of neural tube defects in Japan: A nationwide birth cohort study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2019; 59:110-117. [PMID: 29900595 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship between preconception folic acid supplementation and the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in offspring, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (a nationwide prospective birth cohort study) database. Of 92 269 participants with single pregnancies, 74 cases (offspring or fetuses) had NTDs, including 32 cases of spina bifida, 24 cases of anencephaly, and 19 cases of encephalocele. A total of 7634 participants (8.27%) used preconception folic acid supplementation, and of these, 621 (0.67%) also took in dietary folic acid at ≥480 μg/day. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated no association between preconception folic acid supplementation and NTDs in offspring or fetuses (odds ratio [OR] 0.622; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.226-1.713). Moreover, the participants who combined preconception folic acid supplement use with dietary folic acid intake ≥480 μg/day demonstrated no incidence of NTDs in offspring or fetuses. Our analysis is limited by the absence of the data on the daily amount of supplementary folic acid intake, requiring careful attention to the interpretation. Additional surveys are required in Japan to resolve those limitations for further comprehensive assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Nishigori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Toshie Nishigori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kasumi Sakurai
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hoshiai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ikuma Fujiwara
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,International Research Institute for Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nariyasu Mano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | - Hirohisa Saito
- National Center for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Koichi Kusuhara
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health Kitakyushu Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Awareness, use and information sources of folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects in pregnant Japanese women. Public Health Nutr 2017; 21:732-739. [PMID: 29160184 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017003172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Folic acid supplementation and folate-rich diets are recommended for women of childbearing age worldwide to prevent congenital anomalies. We aimed to determine the current status of folic acid supplementation among pregnant Japanese women and identify means to increase the intake of these supplements. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS A total of 1862 pregnant women who consulted the perinatal centre from September 2014 to December 2015 completed a questionnaire concerning knowledge about folic acid, sources of information and the use of folic acid supplements. SETTING Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health (Japan). RESULTS In our study population, only 20·5 % of pregnant women took folic acid supplements periconceptionally even though 70·4 % knew about the protective effect of folic acid. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥35 years (OR=2·80; 95 % CI 1·24, 6·29) and knowledge of the benefits of folic acid (OR=2·64; 95 % CI 1·92, 3·62) were associated with periconceptional folic acid use, and multiparity was negatively associated with such use. Compared with those who took folic acid supplements periconceptionally, women who did not take supplements received information through passive and less interactive media. CONCLUSIONS Although folic acid awareness was relatively high among pregnant Japanese women, folic acid supplementation before conception was insufficient. To increase the intake of folic acid supplements in countries in which foods are not fortified with folic acid, an effective public health approach promoting behavioural change is necessary for women of reproductive age.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kondo A, Matsuo T, Morota N, Kondo AS, Okai I, Fukuda H. Neural tube defects: Risk factors and preventive measures. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2017; 57:150-156. [PMID: 28425110 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
For the last 25 years, it has been proven that the occurrence or recurrence of neural tube defects can be prevented with the administration of folic acid before and early pregnancy. At present, over 80 countries in the world, except Japan, have mandated the fortification of wheat flour and/or rice with folic acid, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the prevalence of neural tube defects. In 2000, the Japanese government recommended folic acid 400 μg daily for young women of childbearing age and women who are planning to conceive. In 2002, the government started to present information about the importance of folic acid in the development of fetuses in the Mother-Child Health Booklet annually. Despite these endeavors, the prevalence of neural tube defects has remained unchanged. We discuss the risk factors of neural tube defects and propose preventive measures to decrease the number of neonates with neural tube defects. We believe that the government should implement the fortification of staple food with folic acid very soon, which will eventually decrease not only the neonatal mortality and morbidity, but also the economic burden on our health care system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Kondo
- Department of Urology, Atsuta Rehabilitation Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsuo
- Information System Center, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Sayama, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Morota
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuya S Kondo
- Department of Urology, Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya, Japan
| | - Ikuyo Okai
- Department of Food Services, Global Arena, Munakata, Japan
| | - Hiromi Fukuda
- Department of School Health Science, Aichi University of Education, Kariya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Abstract
The majority of neural tube defects were believed to be folic acid (FA)-preventable in the 1990s. The Japanese government recommended women planning pregnancy to take FA supplements of 400 μg/d in 2000, but the incidence of spina bifida has not decreased. We aimed to evaluate the OR of having an infant with spina bifida for women who periconceptionally took FA supplements and the association between an increase in supplement use and possible promoters for the increase. This is a case-control study which used 360 case women who gave birth to newborns afflicted with spina bifida, and 2333 control women who gave birth to healthy newborns during the first 12 years of this century. They were divided into two 6-year periods; from 2001 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2012. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compute OR between cases and controls. The adjusted OR of having an infant with spina bifida for supplement users was 0.48 in the first period, and 0.53 in the second period. The proportion of women who periconceptionally consumed supplements significantly increased from 10 % in the first period to 30 % in the second period. Awareness of the preventive role of FA was a promoter for an increase in supplement use, and thus an FA campaign in high school seems rational and effective. The failure of the current public health policy is responsible for an epidemic of spina bifida. Mandatory food fortification with FA is urgent and long overdue in Japan.
Collapse
|
12
|
|