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Broughan JM, Martin D, Higgins T, Swan G, Cullum A, Kurinczuk JJ, Draper ES, Luyt K, Wellesley DG, Stevens S, Tedstone A, Rankin J. Prevalence of neural tube defects in England prior to the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid: a population-based cohort study. Arch Dis Child 2024; 109:106-112. [PMID: 37875332 PMCID: PMC10850651 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the baseline trends in the total birth prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in England (2000-2019) to enable the impact of folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour to be monitored. DESIGN Population-based, observational study using congenital anomaly (CA) registration data for England curated by the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDRS). SETTING Regions of England with active registration in the time period. PARTICIPANTS Babies that were liveborn or stillborn and pregnancies that resulted in a termination of pregnancy or a late miscarriage (20-23 weeks' gestation) with an NTD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total birth prevalence of anencephaly, spina bifida and all NTDs in England. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate time trends with regional register as a random effect. The progress of national registration across England was assessed. RESULTS There were 4541 NTD pregnancies out of 3 637 842 births in England; 1982 anencephaly and 2127 spina bifida. NTD prevalence was 12.5 (95% CI 12.1 to 12.9) per 10 000 total births. NTD prevalence per 10 000 total births was significantly higher in 2015-2019 (13.6, 95% CI 12.9 to 14.4) compared with 2010-2014 (12.1, 95% CI 11.7 to 12.5). An increasing trend in NTDs overall was detected (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.01, 1.00 to 1.02), although further analysis determined this effect was confined to 2015-2019 (compared against 2000-2004, IRR 1.14, 1.04 to 1.24). The birth prevalence of anencephaly reflected this pattern. The prevalence of spina bifida remained relatively stable over time. CONCLUSIONS Baseline NTD prevalence for England has been established. National and standardised CA registration is in place, facilitating the systematic and consistent monitoring of pre-fortification and post-fortification NTD trends and evaluating the impact of fortification on NTD prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Martin
- National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), NHS England, Redditch, UK
| | - Thomas Higgins
- National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), NHS England, Redditch, UK
| | - Gillian Swan
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Adrienne Cullum
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | | | | | - Karen Luyt
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sarah Stevens
- National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), NHS England, Redditch, UK
| | - Alison Tedstone
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), NHS England, Redditch, UK
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Zhang W, Wang J, Wu H, Chen L. Comparison between MRI and the Combination of 2D and 3D US in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Closed Spina Bifida. Pediatr Neurosurg 2023; 58:392-400. [PMID: 37699379 DOI: 10.1159/000533205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Closed spina bifida (CSB) is a rare condition with a challenging prenatal diagnosis. Herein, we assess the conventional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) combined with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the prenatal diagnosis of CSB. METHODS In this retrospective study, we included 20 cases of fetal CSB confirmed by postnatal MRI, post-mortem pathological examination, or postpartum surgery. Prenatal 2D US complemented with the 3D US was performed in all fetuses to evaluate the characteristics of the conus, vertebral arch, and scoliosis. Moreover, MRI was performed to establish the split vertebrae, with or without a bulging mass. Thereafter, we compared the performance of the US and MRI. RESULTS Diagnosis accuracy of US was comparable with MRI (70% vs. 75%, κ = 0.62); US detected more cases with interpediculate distance ≥95% (55% vs. 35%, κ = 0.22) than MRI. On the other hand, MRI had a superior capacity for identifying vertebral arch fissures (20% vs. 35%, κ = 0.39). MRI and ultrasound had good agreement in the conus medullaris (65% vs. 70%, κ = 0.42) and scoliosis (45% vs. 35%, κ = 0.59). Both US and MRI detected 1 (5.0%) case with "lemon sign" and "banana sign." The missed diagnosis rates of US and MRI were 15% (3/20) and 5% (1/20), respectively. The misdiagnosis rates of US and MRI were 15.0% (3/20) and 20.0% (4/20), respectively. CONCLUSION Both MRI and 2D US combined with the 3D US had excellent performance in prenatal diagnosis of CSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingling Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Sadvakassova L, Kurmangali Z, Beloussov V, Rakisheva Z, Terzic M. The effectiveness of non-invasive prenatal test technology and the prenatal screening algorithm based on various methods for determining foetal aneuploidy. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2023; 24:152-158. [PMID: 37675072 PMCID: PMC10493820 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-10-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) using mass parallel sequencing (MPS) to detect trisomy 13, 18, 21 and fetal sex chromosome abnormalities in maternal blood samples by isolating freely circulating foetal extracellular DNA (eDNA), and to develop an algorithm for prenatal screening. Material and Methods The research methods used included blood sampling from patients, isolation of eDNA, determination of DNA concentration and quality, library preparation for sequencing, MPS using an Illumina HiSeq2000, positive and negative control samples, monitoring, and analysis of results using the distributed algorithms platform based on calculations of z-value and the average absolute deviation. Pregnant women were divided into two groups based on gestational age at sampling, group 1; 9-14 weeks and group 2; 15-27 weeks. Results A total of 377 pregnant women were included with a mean (range) age of 33 (23-44) years. The mean gestational age at the time of blood sampling in group 1 was 11 (9-14) weeks, and in group 2 was 21 (15-27) weeks. In the first group, three cases of trisomy 18 chromosomes were detected in patients aged 43 years old, and female children were subsequently born with Edwards syndrome. In the second group, one case of trisomy 21 was detected in a patient aged 36 years and the pregnancy was terminated at 25 weeks. Conclusion The analysis of freely circulating foetal eDNA was a sensitive method for detecting chromosomal abnormalities. The study has a practical significance, since the NIPT for frequent aneuploidy considerably exceeds the effectiveness of traditional screening methods and allows identifying chromosomal disorders starting from the 9th week of the gestation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Sadvakassova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanar Kurmangali
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Milan Terzic
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Department of Women’s Health, University Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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Keil C, Köhler S, Sass B, Schulze M, Kalmus G, Belfort M, Schmitt N, Diehl D, King A, Groß S, Sutton CD, Joyeux L, Wege M, Nimsky C, Whitehead WE, Uhl E, Huisman TAGM, Neubauer BA, Weber S, Hummler H, Axt-Fliedner R, Bedei I. Implementation and Assessment of a Laparotomy-Assisted Three-Port Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Repair Program. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5151. [PMID: 37568553 PMCID: PMC10419476 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Open spina bifida (OSB) is a congenital, non-lethal malformation with multifactorial etiology. Fetal therapy can be offered under certain conditions to parents after accurate prenatal diagnostic and interdisciplinary counseling. Since the advent of prenatal OSB surgery, various modifications of the original surgical techniques have evolved, including laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic repair. After a two-year preparation time, the team at the University of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) became the first center to provide a three-port, three-layer fetoscopic repair of OSB via a laparotomy-assisted approach in the German-speaking area. We point out that under the guidance of experienced centers and by intensive multidisciplinary preparation and training, a previously described and applied technique could be transferred to a different setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Keil
- Department of Prenatal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Siegmund Köhler
- Department of Prenatal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Sass
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schulze
- Department of Neuroradiology, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gerald Kalmus
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Belfort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicolas Schmitt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Diehl
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Alice King
- Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stefanie Groß
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Caitlin D. Sutton
- Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luc Joyeux
- Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mirjam Wege
- Division of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Wiliam E. Whitehead
- Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eberhard Uhl
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Thierry A. G. M. Huisman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bernd A. Neubauer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Weber
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, University Children’s Hospital Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Helmut Hummler
- Division of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Department of Prenatal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivonne Bedei
- Department of Prenatal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Kancherla V. Neural tube defects: a review of global prevalence, causes, and primary prevention. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:1703-1710. [PMID: 36882610 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects and contribute to life-long disabilities, high medical care costs, and perinatal and child mortality. This review is a primer on prevalence, causes, and evidence-based prevention strategies for NTDs. The estimated average global prevalence of NTDs is two cases per 1000 births, amounting to approximately 214,000-322,000 affected pregnancies worldwide annually. Prevalence and associated adverse outcomes are disproportionately high in developing countries. NTDs have multiple risk factors including genetic and non-genetic (i.e., maternal nutritional status, pre-pregnancy diabetes, early pregnancy exposure to valproic acid (anti-epileptic medication), and a previous pregnancy affected by a NTD) factors. Maternal folate insufficiency before and during early pregnancy is the most common risk factor and is preventable. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is required for formation of the neural tube early in pregnancy, around 28 days after conception, when most women are unaware of their pregnancies. Current guidelines recommend that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 400-800 μg of folic acid. Mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods (e.g., wheat flour, maize flour, rice) is safe, economical, and the effective intervention for primary prevention of NTDs. Currently, about 60 countries are implementing mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods, preventing just a quarter of all preventable NTD cases worldwide. There is an urgent need for active champions, including neurosurgeons and other healthcare providers, to generate political will and promote effective mandatory food fortification with folic acid, and reach equitable primary prevention of NTDs in all countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Kancherla
- Center for Spina Bifida Prevention, Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Khalil AF, Badr HI, Zaher A, Elshirbiny MF, Elnaggar AM, Badran M, Zayed AE, Abdelhalim MM, Amen MM. Repair of spina bifida cystica: an institutional experience. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41984-023-00185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Although most cases with spina bifida cystica could be closed by primary skin closure with or without undermining its edges, about 25% of patients have large defects not amenable for closure by these simple methods. We conducted this study to review our techniques in closing spina bifida cystica defects.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the data of consecutive 21 patients diagnosed with spina bifida cystica in our setting. According to the surface area of the defect, the approach was decided; primary closure for small defects (11 cases) and flap-based approach for large defects (10 patients).
Results
The age of the included pediatric patients ranged between 3 and 75 days. For the primary closure cases, a vertical incision was done in seven cases. For the flap-based group, bilateral rotation transposition flap was done for circular defects (7 cases) while elliptical ones were repaired via bilateral V–Y flap. Complete skin healing was achieved after two weeks (range 12–18 days) in most cases. Complications were as follows; for the primary closure group, cerebrospinal fluid leakage (18.18%%), partial wound dehiscence (18.18%) and superficial surgical site infection (9.09%). In the flap-based group, CSF leakage (20%), superficial surgical site infection (10%), and distal flap necrosis (30%) were detected. Reoperation for wound complication was needed only in one case in the flap-based group.
Conclusions
Flap-based procedures are recommended for patients with large spina bifida cystica defects because of less tissue dissection and low complication rates. Primary closure should be kept for small defects.
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Morris JK, Wald NJ. Importance of getting the right UK folic acid fortification policy. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:74-75. [PMID: 35948406 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas J Wald
- St George's University of London, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
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Brun B, Wille DA, Schauer SM, Moehrlen U, Meuli M, Latal B, Padden B. Motor function outcomes in children with open prenatal repair of Spina Bifida Aperta at 36-month follow-up: The Zurich cohort. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2023; 16:595-604. [PMID: 38160370 PMCID: PMC10789323 DOI: 10.3233/prm-220096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe outcomes of motor function with a special focus on ambulation ability at 36 months among children with open prenatal repair of spina bifida aperta (SB). METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted including 87 patients with open prenatal repair of SB at the investigating center born between 2010 and 2018. Anatomic lesion level and motor function level in the neonatal period, as well as motor function level, ambulation status, and use of orthotics and assistive devices at 36 months were assessed. RESULTS At 36 months, ambulation was assessed in 86 children; of those, 86% (n = 74) were ambulating. Independent of ambulation, orthotics were worn in 81.6% (71/87) and assistive devices in 47.1% (41/87). Children with a lower lumbar or sacral motor function level were the first to reach independent ambulation and were more likely to ambulate at 36 months than children with higher motor function levels (p = < .001). The anatomic lesion level determined on the neonatal MRI correlated with ambulation status at 36 months (p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION At 36 months, most children with open prenatal repair for SB showed favourable ambulation status. However, most still used assistive devices or orthotics. Anatomic lesion level on neonatal MRI, motor function level during the neonatal period, and motor function level at 36 months were associated with ambulation status at 36 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Brun
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David A. Wille
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Sonja M. Schauer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Moehrlen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Spina Bifida, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Meuli
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Spina Bifida, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beth Padden
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Spina Bifida, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Spina Bifida Study Group Zurich
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Spina Bifida, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Folic acid fortification of flour to prevent neural tube defects in Europe – A position statement by the European Board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 279:109-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Salari N, Fatahi B, Fatahian R, Mohammadi P, Rahmani A, Darvishi N, Keivan M, Shohaimi S, Mohammadi M. Global prevalence of congenital anencephaly: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Health 2022; 19:201. [PMID: 36253858 PMCID: PMC9575217 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anencephaly is a fatal congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of brain hemispheres and cranial arch. Timely preventive measures can be taken by knowing the exact prevalence of this common neural tube defect; thus, carried out through systematic review and meta-analysis, the present study was conducted to determine the worldwide prevalence, incidence and mortality of anencephaly. Methods Cochran’s seven-step instructions were used as the guideline. Having determined the research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we studied MagIran, SID, Science Direct, WoS, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, the search strategy in each database included using all possible keyword combinations with the help of “AND” and “OR” operators with no time limit to 2021. The I2 test was used to calculate study heterogeneity, and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation tests were employed to assess the publication bias. Data were analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2). Results In this study, the statements of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) were used. In the first stage, 1141 articles were found, of which 330 duplicate studies were omitted. 371 articles were deleted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by reviewing the title and abstract of the study. 58 articles were removed by reviewing the full text of the article because it was not relevant to the research. 360 studies with a sample size of 207,639,132 people were considered for the meta-analysis. Overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence and attenuation of anencephaly worldwide were 5.1 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 per ten thousand births), 8.3 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 5.5–9.9 per ten thousand births), 5.5 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 1.8–15 per ten thousand births) respectively the highest of which according to the subgroup analysis, belonged to the Australian continent with 8.6 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 7.7–9.5 per ten thousand births). Conclusion The overall prevalence of anencephaly in the world is significant, indicating the urgent need for preventive and treating measures. Anencephaly is a fatal congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of brain hemispheres and cranial arch. Cochran’s seven-step instructions were used as the guideline. Having determined the research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we studied MagIran, SID, Science Direct, WoS, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, the search strategy in each database included using all possible keyword combinations with the help of “AND” and “OR” operators with no time limit to 2021. Out of 1141 initial articles found, and after excluding repetitive ones in various databases and those irrelevant to inclusion criteria, 360 studies with a sample size of 207,639,132 people were considered for the meta-analysis. Overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence and attenuation of anencephaly worldwide were 5.1 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 per ten thousand births), 8.3 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 5.5–9.9 per ten thousand births), 5.5 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 1.8–15 per ten thousand births) respectively the highest of which according to the subgroup analysis, belonged to the Australian continent with 8.6 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 7.7–9.5 per ten thousand births). The overall prevalence of anencephaly in the world is significant, indicating the urgent need for preventive and treating measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Salari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behnaz Fatahi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Fatahian
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Payam Mohammadi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Niloofar Darvishi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mona Keivan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shamarina Shohaimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran.
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Fidon L, Viola E, Mufti N, David AL, Melbourne A, Demaerel P, Ourselin S, Vercauteren T, Deprest J, Aertsen M. A spatio-temporal atlas of the developing fetal brain with spina bifida aperta. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2022; 1:123. [PMID: 37645096 PMCID: PMC10445840 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13914.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Spina bifida aperta (SBA) is a birth defect associated with severe anatomical changes in the developing fetal brain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atlases are popular tools for studying neuropathology in the brain anatomy, but previous fetal brain MRI atlases have focused on the normal fetal brain. We aimed to develop a spatio-temporal fetal brain MRI atlas for SBA. Methods: We developed a semi-automatic computational method to compute the first spatio-temporal fetal brain MRI atlas for SBA. We used 90 MRIs of fetuses with SBA with gestational ages ranging from 21 to 35 weeks. Isotropic and motion-free 3D reconstructed MRIs were obtained for all the examinations. We propose a protocol for the annotation of anatomical landmarks in brain 3D MRI of fetuses with SBA with the aim of making spatial alignment of abnormal fetal brain MRIs more robust. In addition, we propose a weighted generalized Procrustes method based on the anatomical landmarks for the initialization of the atlas. The proposed weighted generalized Procrustes can handle temporal regularization and missing annotations. After initialization, the atlas is refined iteratively using non-linear image registration based on the image intensity and the anatomical land-marks. A semi-automatic method is used to obtain a parcellation of our fetal brain atlas into eight tissue types: white matter, ventricular system, cerebellum, extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid, cortical gray matter, deep gray matter, brainstem, and corpus callosum. Results: An intra-rater variability analysis suggests that the seven anatomical land-marks are sufficiently reliable. We find that the proposed atlas outperforms a normal fetal brain atlas for the automatic segmentation of brain 3D MRI of fetuses with SBA. Conclusions: We make publicly available a spatio-temporal fetal brain MRI atlas for SBA, available here: https://doi.org/10.7303/syn25887675. This atlas can support future research on automatic segmentation methods for brain 3D MRI of fetuses with SBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Fidon
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Viola
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Nada Mufti
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6DB, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Philippe Demaerel
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Jan Deprest
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6DB, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Improvement of bladder function after bladder augmentation surgery: a report of 26 years of clinical experience. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:941-948. [PMID: 35348841 PMCID: PMC9054860 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To assess the long-term effect of bladder augmentation surgery in patients with spina bifida and to identify risk factors for severe bladder dysfunction requiring bladder augmentation. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 178 patients with spina bifida, 23 of them underwent bladder augmentation. Surgery outcome was evaluated according to urodynamic assessments at three follow-up time points per patient up to 120 months postoperatively. The results were compared to the preoperative situation and to the non-operated control group. Bladder function was evaluated using the modified Hostility score. To identify risk factors for bladder dysfunction requiring bladder augmentation, characteristics such as type of spina bifida, lesion level and therapy of bladder dysfunction were analyzed. RESULTS A high spinal lesion level is a risk factor for requiring bladder augmentation. In the BA group, significantly more thoracic lesions were found than NBA group, BA: 26.1%, NBA: 8.4% (p = 0.021). With bladder augmentation surgery, the modified Hostility score decreased from a preoperative median value of 4.3 ± 1.4 to 1.6 ± 1.0 at the third postoperative follow-up (FU3 = 61-120 months after surgery). In the reference group, the score of the last urological assessment was 2.0 ± 1.5. The age at which clean intermittent catheterization or anticholinergic medication started had no significant influence on the decision to perform bladder augmentation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Spina bifida patients with bladder augmentation had a significant improvement of the bladder function even at long-term follow-up. A high level of spinal lesion was a predisposing factor for requiring a bladder augmentation.
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Trigo L, Eixarch E, Bottura I, Dalaqua M, Barbosa AA, De Catte L, Demaerel P, Dymarkowski S, Deprest J, Lapa DA, Aertsen M, Gratacos E. Prevalence of supratentorial anomalies assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with open spina bifida. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 59:804-812. [PMID: 34396624 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of brain anomalies at the time of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment in fetuses eligible for prenatal open spina bifida (OSB) repair, and to explore the relationship between brain abnormalities and features of the spinal defect. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in three fetal medicine centers, of fetuses eligible for OSB fetal surgery repair between January 2009 and December 2019. MRI images obtained as part of the presurgical assessment were re-evaluated by two independent observers, blinded to perinatal results, to assess: (1) the type and area of the defect and its anatomical level; (2) the presence of any structural central nervous system (CNS) anomaly and abnormal ventricular wall; and (3) fetal head and brain biometry. Binary regression analyses were performed and data were adjusted for type of defect, upper level of the lesion (ULL), gestational age (GA) at MRI and fetal medicine center. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify lesion characteristics and brain anomalies associated with a higher risk of presence of abnormal corpus callosum (CC) and/or heterotopia. RESULTS Of 115 fetuses included, 91 had myelomeningocele and 24 had myeloschisis. Anatomical level of the lesion was thoracic in seven fetuses, L1-L2 in 13, L3-L5 in 68 and sacral in 27. Median GA at MRI was 24.7 (interquartile range, 23.0-25.7) weeks. Overall, 52.7% of cases had at least one additional brain anomaly. Specifically, abnormal CC was observed in 50.4% of cases and abnormality of the ventricular wall in 19.1%, of which 4.3% had nodular heterotopia. Factors associated independently with higher risk of abnormal CC and/or heterotopia were non-sacral ULL (odds ratio (OR), 0.51 (95% CI, 0.26-0.97); P = 0.043), larger ventricular width (per mm) (OR, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.07-1.43); P = 0.005) and presence of abnormal cavum septi pellucidi (OR, 3.76 (95% CI, 1.13-12.48); P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Half of the fetuses assessed for OSB repair had an abnormal CC and/or an abnormal ventricular wall prior to prenatal repair. The likelihood of brain abnormalities was increased in cases with a non-sacral lesion and wider lateral ventricles. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed preoperative CNS evaluation of fetuses with OSB. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Trigo
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- My FetUZ Fetal Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Eixarch
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Bottura
- Fetal and Neonatal Therapy Group, Hospital Sabará, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Dalaqua
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einsten, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A A Barbosa
- Fetal and Neonatal Therapy Group, Hospital Sabará, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L De Catte
- Department of Radiology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Demaerel
- Department of Radiology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Dymarkowski
- Department of Radiology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Deprest
- My FetUZ Fetal Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - D A Lapa
- Fetal Therapy Program, Hospital Israelita Albert Einsten, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Hospital Infantil Sabará, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, UZ KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Gratacos
- BCNatal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
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Geyer K, Günther J, Hoffmann J, Spies M, Raab R, Zhelyazkova A, Rose I, Hauner H. Dietary Supplementation Before, During and After Pregnancy: Results of the Cluster-Randomized GeliS Study. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022; 82:736-746. [PMID: 35815097 PMCID: PMC9262633 DOI: 10.1055/a-1771-6368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The nutritional status of women before, during, and after pregnancy plays an important role in the health of mother and child. In addition to a balanced mixed diet, the
increased need for folic acid and iodine should be met and ensured with supplements. The aim of this study was to assess dietary supplementation in the context of pregnancy and to
investigate the effect of targeted counselling on supplementation behavior during and after pregnancy.
Methods
In the context of the “Gesund leben in der Schwangerschaft” (GeliS; “Healthy living in pregnancy”) trial, women in the intervention group (IG) received four structured
lifestyle counselling sessions during pregnancy as well as postpartum, during which they were informed about appropriate dietary supplementation. The women in the control group (CG) received
routine prenatal care. The intake of dietary supplements was recorded at different points using a questionnaire.
Results
In total, 2099 women were included in the analysis. Prior to conception, 31.3% of the women in the IG and 31.4% of the women in the CG took folic acid supplements.
Prenatally, about half of the women took folic acid (IG: 54.1%; CG: 52.0%) and iodine (IG: 50.2%; CG: 48.2%). Statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to
supplementation behavior could not be observed, neither prior to inclusion in the study nor during the intervention. During pregnancy, 23.0% of all women took docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
supplements and 21.8% iron supplements. 49.4% of the women additionally took vitamin D supplements. A higher educational level (p < 0.001), advanced age (p < 0.001), primiparity
(p < 0.001), and a vegetarian diet (p = 0.037) were all associated with a higher level of dietary supplementation.
Conclusion
The GeliS lifestyle counselling did not significantly improve the supplementation behavior of women during and after pregnancy. Women should be informed about adequate
dietary supplementation early on within the scope of gynecological prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Geyer
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Julia Günther
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Julia Hoffmann
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
- European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, München, Germany
| | - Monika Spies
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Roxana Raab
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Ana Zhelyazkova
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
- Institut für Notfallmedizin und Medizinmanagement, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Inga Rose
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Hans Hauner
- Institut für Ernährungsmedizin, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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Costa P, Fontoura Oliveira A, Baptista Vilaça A. Prenatal diagnosis of craniorachischisis totalis. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e244682. [PMID: 35470163 PMCID: PMC9039352 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniorachischisis totalis (anencephaly with total open spina bifida) is the most severe form of neural tube defects. The exact aetiology of neural tube defects remains poorly understood. We report a case of a primigravida in her 20s with a fetus in which craniorachischisis totalis was diagnosed during the first-trimester ultrasound at 11 weeks of gestation. The parents opted for pregnancy termination and the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally. Besides the lack of folic acid supplementation during preconception, no other risk factor was found. This case highlights the importance of the first-trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of severe malformations. The right diagnosis is crucial for future prenatal counselling, yet investigation is still required to better understand the aetiology behind neural tube defects and assess the possibility of underlying genetic features, thus enabling better counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Costa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave EPE, Santo Tirso, Portugal
| | | | - António Baptista Vilaça
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave EPE, Santo Tirso, Portugal
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16
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Pardo R, Vilca M, Villarroel L, Davalji T, Obrycki JF, Mazumdar M, Avila C, Mellado C. Neural tube defect prevalence does not increase after modification of the folic acid fortification program in Chile. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:259-266. [PMID: 35218603 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2000, Chile's Ministry of Health mandated fortification of wheat flour with folic acid at a concentration of 2.2 mg/kg to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), resulting in a 50% reduction in NTD prevalence. Concerns about possible collateral effects of high folic acid intake led, in 2009, to decrease the folic acid fortification to 1.8 mg/kg of flour. Our study evaluated the impact of this modification on the prevalence of NTDs in Santiago. METHODS This study measured the prevalence of NTDs in live births and stillbirths born in Santiago. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between pre-folic acid fortification (1999-2000), post-folic acid fortification (2001-2009), and post-modified folic acid fortification (2010-2015) periods for all NTDs and their specific types. We used chi-square tests to analyze proportions, and a Joinpoint regression to visualize prevalence time trends. RESULTS The NTD prevalence for the period 2001-2015 was 8.9 per 10,000 births, which represents a 48% reduction (PR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.45-0.61; p < .001) from the pre-folic acid fortification period. During 2010-2015, the NTD prevalence was 9.5/10,000 births, which was higher, but not statistically significantly different from 2001 to 2009 prevalence of 8.6/10,000 (PR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.96-1.30, p = .17). CONCLUSIONS Decreasing the concentration of folic acid fortification was not associated with a statistically significant change in the prevalence of NTDs. Mandatory folic acid fortification continues to be a safe and highly effective policy to prevent NTDs. Future studies should evaluate the prevalence of NTDs across Chile and adherence to folic acid fortification mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pardo
- Genetics Unit, Pediatrics Service, Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río, Puente Alto, Chile.,Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Neonatology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Vilca
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Villarroel
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tahera Davalji
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John F Obrycki
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claudia Avila
- Neonatology Unit, Complejo Hospitalario San José, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Mellado
- Genetics Unit, Pediatrics Service, Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río, Puente Alto, Chile.,Genetics Unit, Division of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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17
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Selenium protects against the likelihood of fetal neural tube defects partly via the arginine metabolic pathway. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:838-846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Allen R, James A, Sankaran S. Trends in termination of pregnancy for neural tube defects in England and Wales from 2007 to 2017: Observational prospective study. Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:1624-1633. [PMID: 34671992 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Neural tube defects (NTDs) affect approximately 300,000 pregnancies worldwide each year. Many of these pregnancies are lost to miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. Here, we have analysed the trends of termination of pregnancy for NTDs from the national data for England and Wales. METHODS Data for all terminations for residents in England and Wales for the period of 2007-2017 were obtained through Health and Social Act 4 (HSA4) submitted to the Department of Health. Using the ICD-10 codes, terminations for NTDs were selected for analysis. The statistical test Chi-squared was performed using SPSS-v25, where appropriate. RESULTS In the 11-year period, there were 28,866 terminations under Ground E; of which 4425 (15.33%) had a diagnosis of NTD. The number of NTD cases increased over the time period from 308 in 2007 to 517 in 2017 (67.9%). Significant results were also seen when analysing the relationship between ethnicity, gestation and terminations where an NTD was diagnosed. CONCLUSION With the availability of routine prenatal ultrasound, the termination for NTDs is on the rise in England and Wales, in spite of the health advice of periconceptional folic acid. This study demonstrates the need for implementation of further programmes to increase public health awareness of folic supplementation and government initiation of fortification to reduce NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Allen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew James
- United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Srividhya Sankaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Jouannic JM, Guilbaud L, Maurice P, Maisonneuve E, de Saint Denis T, du Peuty C, Zerah M. [The ethics of fetal myelomeningocele surgery]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 50:189-193. [PMID: 34656790 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fetal myelomeningocele surgery was introduced in France in 2014. Developments in prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects have accompanied the development of prenatal diagnosis. This fetal surgery represents one of the three possible care paths for pregnant women faced with this prenatal diagnosis. The ethical issues of this fetal surgery are discussed and in particular regarding prenatal counselling and patient autonomy of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-M Jouannic
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - L Guilbaud
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - P Maurice
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - E Maisonneuve
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - T de Saint Denis
- Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital Necker, Université de Paris, 149, rue du Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - C du Peuty
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - M Zerah
- Centre de référence Maladies Rares C-MAVEM, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP Sorbonne Université, 26, avenue du Docteur-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital Necker, Université de Paris, 149, rue du Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
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Xu X, Sun K, Sun J, Wang Y, Zhu J, Yuan X, Ji C, Guo Y, Shi J. Urodynamic evaluation of bladder function in patients with urinary incontinence secondary to congenital tethered cord syndrome after homogeneous spinal-shortening axial decompression procedure. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 31:190-196. [PMID: 34601626 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-07011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of homogeneous spinal-shortening axial decompression procedure (HSAD) on bladder function in patients with spina bifida tethered syndrome. METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients with tethered spinal cord syndrome were collected prospectively, and all patients were treated with lumbar HSAD. Patients' urodynamic evaluation mainly included detrusor function, sphincter function, sphincter coordination (Ig TLR, ratio of tension and loose of urethral sphincter), and bladder compliance. Meanwhile, all patients were followed up with ICI-Q-SF, SF-12, and Rantala scores. RESULTS Twenty-four patients were included, with the average age of 27 ± 16 years. At the final follow-up, patients' detrusor function, sphincter function, sphincter coordination, and bladder compliance, were all improved dramatically (all P < 0.01). The preoperative SF-12 score, ICQ, and Rantala score were [52.16 ± 5.64, 14.11 ± 5.25, 7.84 ± 4.87], whereas the postoperative mean was [33.53 ± 3.53, 9.05 ± 4.89, 15 ± 3.77] (P < 0.01, respectively). According to objective evaluation, 16.7% of them recovered to normal. According to the subjective evaluation, 25% of the patients returned to normal. Only one patient (4.2%) deteriorated. Limitations include none-randomized controlled design and limited patient samples. CONCLUSIONS The HSAD can significantly restore the bladder function in patients with long-term urinary incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximing Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiqiang Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingchuan Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiu Yuan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfei Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.
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Peake JN, Knowles RL, Shawe J, Rankin J, Copp AJ. Maternal ethnicity and the prevalence of British pregnancies affected by neural tube defects. Birth Defects Res 2021; 113:968-980. [PMID: 33754462 PMCID: PMC7611580 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available on the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) within different ethnic communities of the United Kingdom. This study aimed to calculate prevalence estimates for NTD-affected pregnancies, classified by maternal ethnicity, and to explore why variations in prevalence might exist. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed with data from regional congenital anomaly registers in England and Wales, for NTD-affected pregnancies between 2006 and 2011. Using binomial regression models, we examined NTD-affected pregnancy prevalence estimates and rate ratios (PRRs), by maternal ethnicity. RESULTS The prevalence of NTDs was 12.14 per 10,000 births, with no differences between study years. Anencephaly, encephalocele and spina bifida occurred at 4.98, 1.37 and 5.80 per 10,000 births respectively. Mothers of Indian ethnicity were 1.84 times more likely (95% CI: 1.24, 2.73) and Bangladeshi mothers 2.86 times more likely (95% CI: 1.48, 5.53) than White mothers to have an NTD-affected pregnancy, after adjusting for maternal deprivation and maternal age. The excess prevalence in Indian mothers was specifically for anencephaly (PRR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.52, 4.34), and in Bangladeshi mothers the trend was for increased spina bifida (PRR 3.86; 95% CI: 0.72, 8.69). Anencephaly in Indian mothers was especially associated with other congenital anomalies (non-isolated NTDs). CONCLUSIONS Different British ethnic groups vary in NTD prevalence. The excess prevalence of anencephaly as a non-isolated NTD in pregnancies of Indian mothers could indicate involvement of genetic or other unmeasured behavioral factors. Future work is needed to seek etiological explanations for the ethnicity differences and to develop improved methods for primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana N Peake
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Rachel L Knowles
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew J Copp
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Guilbaud L, Zerah M, Jouannic JM, Quarello E. [The paradoxes of spina bifida in the prenatal period]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2021; 49:569-572. [PMID: 33989830 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L Guilbaud
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne université, AP-HP, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence maladies rares C-MAVEM, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - M Zerah
- Centre de référence maladies rares C-MAVEM, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, hôpital Necker, Université de Paris, 149, rue du Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - J-M Jouannic
- Service de médecine fœtale, Sorbonne université, AP-HP, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France; Centre de référence maladies rares C-MAVEM, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - E Quarello
- Institut méditerranéen d'imagerie médicale appliquée à la gynécologie, la grossesse et l'enfance IMAGE(2), 6, rue Rocca, 13008 Marseille, France; Unité de dépistage et de diagnostic prénatal, hôpital Saint-Joseph, 26, boulevard de Louvain, 13285 Marseille cedex, France.
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24
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Diffusion weighted imaging as a biomarker of retinoic acid induced myelomeningocele. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253583. [PMID: 34191842 PMCID: PMC8244849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects are a common congenital anomaly involving incomplete closure of the spinal cord. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a severe form in which there is complete exposure of neural tissue with a lack of skin, soft tissue, or bony covering to protect the spinal cord. The all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induced rat model of (MMC) is a reproducible, cost-effective means of studying this disease; however, there are limited modalities to objectively quantify disease severity, or potential benefits from experimental therapies. We sought to determine the feasibility of detecting differences between MMC and wild type (WT) rat fetuses using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques (MRI). Rat dams were gavage-fed ATRA to produce MMC defects in fetuses, which were surgically delivered prior to term. Average diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were obtained for each fetus. Brain volumes and two anatomically defined brain length measurements (D1 and D2) were significantly decreased in MMC compared to WT. Mean ADC signal was significantly increased in MMC compared to WT, but no difference was found for FA signal. In summary, ADC and brain measurements were significantly different between WT and MMC rat fetuses. ADC could be a useful complementary imaging biomarker to current histopathologic analysis of MMC models, and potentially expedite therapeutic research for this disease.
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25
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Ertekin A, Atay E, Bozkurt E, Aslan E. Effect of buscopan, a compound that alleviates cramps, on the developing nervous system of the chick embryo. Birth Defects Res 2021; 113:1140-1151. [PMID: 34050726 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buscopan is used to treat stomach cramps including those resulting from irritable bowel syndrome, bladder cramps, and pain related to menstruation. Its pregnancy category is determined as C. It has been shown in experimental animal studies that the drug has a negative effect on the embryo, but sufficient and well-controlled studies have not been conducted in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of buscopan on the development of the neural tube (NT) in chick embryos. METHODS Sixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized eggs were used. SPF eggs were placed in an incubator and divided into six groups at 28 hr of incubation. Five different doses (low to high) of buscopan were injected sub-blastodermally. At the end of 48 hr, the embryos were evaluated morphologically and histopathologically. The argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region (AgNOR) method was used in this study to determine the proliferation activity of cells in NT development in chick embryos. AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were detected for each embryo. RESULTS Depending on the dose, the embryo's crown-rump length and somite number decreased (p < .05). Significant differences were detected among all groups for mean AgNOR number (p < .05) and TAA/NA ratio (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Considering the average count of AgNOR cells and TAA/NA ratio, it was found that there was a decrease in cell division depending on the dose. It was determined that buscopan treatment on chick embryos adversely affected early nervous system and NT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Ertekin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Emre Atay
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Erhan Bozkurt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Esra Aslan
- Department of Histology Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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26
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Genetic Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Gene APE1/Ref-1 and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects in a High-Risk Area of China. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2592-2601. [PMID: 33761125 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00537-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox-factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) gene encodes a multifunctional protein involved in the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway, which initiates repair of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites in DNA by catalyzing hydrolytic incision of the phosphodiester backbone. APE1/Ref-1 polymorphisms are related to the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs), but the association between APE1/Ref-1 polymorphisms and NTDs is not reported in Chinese Han population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of APE1/Ref-1 polymorphism and the risk of NTD occurrence for Han population in a high-risk area of China. APE1/Ref-1 genotypes were determined by iPLEX Gold SNP genotyping. AP sites and folate level of brain tissues were measured. The results showed that three polymorphisms (rs3136817, rs77794916, and rs1760944) of APE1/Ref-1 were statistically associated with NTD subtypes. Allele C of rs3136817, allele T of rs77794916, and allele G of rs1760944 were associated with an increased risk for encephalocele (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.25-5.07], P < 0.01; OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.04-3.12], P = 0.04; and OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.12-3.45], P = 0.02), compared with those harboring the alleles T, C, and T, respectively. The folate level in NTDs was lower than that in controls. DNA AP sites in the encephalocele were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.01). The three polymorphisms of APE1/Ref-1 were significantly related to NTD occurrence, which indicated that APE1/Ref-1 might be a potential genetic risk factor for encephalocele in a high-risk area of NTDs in China.
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Dick JR, Wimalasundera R, Nandi R. Maternal and fetal anaesthesia for fetal surgery. Anaesthesia 2021; 76 Suppl 4:63-68. [PMID: 33682103 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, advances in early diagnosis of fetal anomalies, imaging and surgical techniques have led to a huge expansion in fetal surgery. A small number of specialist centres perform fetal surgery, which involves high-risk anaesthesia for the mother and fetus. The anaesthetist plays an integral role within the large multispecialty and multidisciplinary team, involved in planning and delivering care for complex surgical procedures. This article reviews three fetal surgical procedures, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, myelomeningocele repair and ex-utero intrapartum treatment for airway obstruction. The underlying fetal pathology, surgical management, anaesthetic considerations and risks for both the mother and fetus are described for each. Fundamental to this is the understanding that clear communication and collaboration between all team members is vital to ensure successful outcomes of patients, the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Dick
- Department of Obstetric Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - R Wimalasundera
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - R Nandi
- Department of Anaesthesia, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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28
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Effectiveness of Folic Acid Supplementation Recommendations among Polish Female Students from the Podkarpackie Region. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13031001. [PMID: 33808859 PMCID: PMC8003778 DOI: 10.3390/nu13031001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate folic acid supplementation during the preconception period is an important element in the primary prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). This study aims to study the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation recommendations among women of childbearing age, and to assess and characterise their awareness about this public health measure. The cross-sectional study included women (N = 1285) aged 22.27 ± 4.6 years old on average. Some of the results were obtained on a subgroup of women (N = 1127) aged 21.0 ± 2.1. This study was performed using a questionnaire. The analysis was performed with the use of a logistic regression model, chi-square test for independence and odds ratio (OR). According to the results, only 13.9% of women supplement folic acid, and 65.3% of them do so daily. A total of 91.1% of the respondents were not aware of its recommended dose and 43% did not know the role it plays in the human body. Among women who do not currently supplement folic acid (N = 1052), 52.4% declared doing so while planning their pregnancy. Women’s awareness about the role of folic acid in NTD prevention (OR = 4.58) and the information they got from physicians (OR = 1.68) are key factors that increased the odds of the women taking folic acid before pregnancy. There is therefore a need for more information and education campaigns to raise awareness about folic acid.
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Soltani Khaboushan A, Shakibaei M, Kajbafzadeh AM, Majidi Zolbin M. Prenatal Neural Tube Anomalies: A Decade of Intrauterine Stem Cell Transplantation Using Advanced Tissue Engineering Methods. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:752-767. [PMID: 33742349 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10150-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common congenital defects during neurulation. Spina bifida is a type of NTD that can occur in different forms. Since myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most severe form of spina bifida, finding a satisfactory treatment for MMC is a gold standard for the treatment of spina bifida. The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) demonstrated that intrauterine treatment of spina bifida could ameliorate the complications associated with spina bifida and would also reduce the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt by 50%. Recently developed tissue engineering (TE) approaches using scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors allow treatment of the fetus with minimally invasive methods and promising outcomes. The application of novel patches with appropriate stem cells and growth factors leads to better coverage of the defect with fewer complications. These approaches with less invasive surgical procedures, even in animal models with similar characteristics as the human MMC defect, paves the way for the modern application of less invasive surgical methods. Significantly, the early detection of these problems and applying these approaches can increase the potential efficacy of MMC treatment with fewer complications. However, further studies should be conducted to find the most suitable scaffolds and stem cells, and their application should be evaluated in animal models. This review intends to discuss advanced TE methods for treating MMC and recent successes in increasing the efficacy of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.
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Rasalingam A, Brekke I, Dahl E, Helseth S. Impact of growing up with somatic long-term health challenges on school completion, NEET status and disability pension: a population-based longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:514. [PMID: 33726730 PMCID: PMC7967973 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young adulthood is an important transitional life phase that can determine a person’s educational and employment trajectories. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of somatic long-term health challenges in adolescence on upper secondary school completion, not in education, employment or training (NEET status) and receiving disability pension in early adulthood. Additional disparities in educational and employment achievements were also investigated in relation to socioeconomic background. Methods The sample consisted of all young adults born in the period 1990 to 1996, (N = 421,110). Data were obtained from the Norwegian Patient Registry which is linked to the Central Population Register, education and income registries and the Historical Event Database in Statistics Norway. These data sources provide longitudinal population data. Statistical analyses were performed using multiple logistic regression and computed average marginal effects after the multiple logistic regression. Results The results showed that, compared to young adults without long-term health challenges, young adults with the diagnoses inflammatory bowel disease, epilepsy, diabetes, sensory impairment, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spina bifida (SB) and cerebral palsy (CP) had lower odds of completing upper secondary education. Moreover, young adults with long-term health challenges had higher odds of NEET status by age 21 compared to those without a long-term health challenge. As for the odds of NEET status by age 21, the results showed that young adults with epilepsy, SMA, SB and CP in particular had the highest odds of receiving disability pension compared to young adults without long-term health challenges. Conclusions This longitudinal study revealed that on average young adults with long-term health challenges, compared to those without, struggle to participate in education and employment. The findings highlight the need for preventive measures especially in relation to young adults with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, SMA, SB, and CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurajee Rasalingam
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Idunn Brekke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Divison of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Dahl
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sølvi Helseth
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Kalafat E, Ting L, Thilaganathan B, Papageorghiou AT, Khalil A. Diagnostic accuracy of fetal choroid plexus length to head biometry ratio at 11 to 13 weeks for open spina bifida. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:294.e1-294.e14. [PMID: 32841630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Open spina bifida is a major congenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of <1 in 1000. The diagnosis of open spina bifida is usually made during the second trimester, but first-trimester detection rate of spina bifida is increasingly reported. Recently, the mean choroid plexus length to occipitofrontal diameter ratio was reported to be increased in fetuses with open spina bifida. The ratio reflects the so-called dry brain effect caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage and expansion of the choroid plexus into the lateral ventricles. The mean choroid plexus length to occipitofrontal diameter ratio appears to be a promising tool for early detection of open spina bifida, but its diagnostic accuracy is yet to be determined in a large cohort. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the predictive accuracy of mean choroid plexus length to occipitofrontal diameter ratio recorded at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation for the detection of open spina bifida. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort of patients treated in a tertiary referral center. Fetuses in which open spina bifida was detected at 16 to 24 weeks' gestation and normal fetuses were included in the cohort. Biparietal diameter and occipitofrontal diameter were measured in an axial view. The length of choroid plexus was measured along its longest diameter in the same plane. Ultrasound images were examined offline, and the operator was blinded to the clinical diagnosis. The predictive accuracy was evaluated using the area under the curve and positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS We included 3300 pregnant women, of whom 24 (0.73%) had the fetuses affected by open spina bifida. The area under the curve values were 0.921 for mean choroid plexus length to occipitofrontal diameter ratio and 0.933 for its multiple of the median. Mean choroid plexus length to biparietal diameter ratio indicated similar results, with area under the curve values of 0.928 and 0.931 for raw ratio and multiple of the median ratio models, respectively. The optimal cutoffs of the mean choroid plexus to occipitofrontal diameter ratio and multiple of the median ratios were 0.662 and 1.263, respectively. The optimal mean choroid plexus to occipitofrontal diameter ratio and multiple of the median ratio cutoffs provided a positive predictive value of 90.9% and a negative predictive value of 99.6%. The number of affected spinal segments was significantly higher in fetuses with a ratio above 0.662 (P=.022). CONCLUSION The mean choroid plexus length to occipitofrontal diameter ratio at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation is a promising tool for the prenatal detection of open spina bifida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lei Ting
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aris T Papageorghiou
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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Jia S, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Liu D, He Y, Wei X, Gu H, Ma W, Luo W, Yuan Z. PIWI-interacting RNA sequencing profiles in maternal plasma-derived exosomes reveal novel non-invasive prenatal biomarkers for the early diagnosis of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. EBioMedicine 2021; 65:103253. [PMID: 33639402 PMCID: PMC7921467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital malformations are common birth defects with high neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is essential to find simpler and more efficient biomarkers for early prenatal diagnosis. Therefore, we investigated PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) as potential prenatal biomarkers in plasma-derived exosomes from pregnant women carrying foetuses with congenital malformations. Methods Small RNA sequencing was used to screen piRNA biomarkers in plasma-derived exosomes of five pregnant women carrying foetuses with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (nsCLP) and five women carrying normal foetuses. Differentially expressed piRNAs were verified in 270 pregnant women, including 111 paired women carrying foetuses with congenital malformations and normal foetuses (at 24 gestational weeks), 10 paired women carrying foetuses with nsCLP and normal foetuses (at 15–19 gestational weeks), and 28 women at different stages of normal pregnancy. piRNA biomarkers were also verified in placentas, umbilical cords, fetal medial calf muscles, and lip tissues of nsCLP and normal foetuses. Findings We identified a biomarker panel of three pregnancy-associated exosomal piRNAs (hsa-piR-009228, hsa-piR-016659, and hsa-piR-020496) could distinguish nsCLP foetuses from normal foetuses. These three piRNAs had better diagnostic accuracy for nsCLP at the early gestational stage, at which time typical malformations were not detected upon prenatal ultrasound screening, and had diagnostic value for neural tube defects (NTDs) and congenital heart defects (CHDs). Interpretation Our work revealed the potential clinical applications of piRNAs for predicting nsCLP, NTDs, and CHDs. Funding National Key Research and Development Program, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Program .
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yanfu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yiwen He
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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Schindelmann KH, Paschereit F, Steege A, Stoltenburg-Didinger G, Kaindl AM. Systematic Classification of Spina Bifida. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:294-305. [PMID: 33576426 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spina bifida (SB) is an umbrella term for multiple conditions characterized by misclosure of vertebral arches. Neuropathologic findings in SB cases are often reported with imprecise and overlapping terminology. In view of the increasing identification of SB-associated genes and pathomechanisms, the precise description of SB subtypes is highly important. In particular, the term "myelomeningocele" is applied to various and divergent SB subtypes. We reevaluated 90 cases with SB (58 prenatal; 32 postnatal). The most frequent SB phenotype in our cohort was myeloschisis, which is characterized by an open neural plate with exposed ependyma (n = 28; 31.1%). An open neural plate was initially described in only in two-thirds of the myeloschisis cases. An additional 21 cases (23.3%) had myelomeningocele; 2 cases (2.2%) had a meningocele; and 21 cases (23.3%) had an unspecified SB aperta (SBA) subtype. Overall, the SB phenotype was corrected in about one-third of the cases. Our findings highlight that "myelomeningocele" and "SB aperta" cannot be used as synonymous terms and that myeloschisis is an underreported SB phenotype. Based on our findings and a review of literature we propose a classification of SB subtypes in SB occulta and the 3 SBA subtypes, meningocele, myelomeningocele, and myeloschisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hannah Schindelmann
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Cellbiology and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabienne Paschereit
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Cellbiology and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Steege
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Angela M Kaindl
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Cellbiology and Neurobiology, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Berlin, Germany
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Pangilinan F, Finlay EK, Molloy AM, Abaan HO, Shane B, Mills JL, Brody LC, Parle-McDermott A. A dihydrofolate reductase 2 (DHFR2) variant is associated with risk of neural tube defects in an Irish cohort but not in a United Kingdom cohort. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:1307-1311. [PMID: 33544972 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Pangilinan
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emma K Finlay
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne M Molloy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hattice O Abaan
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Barry Shane
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - James L Mills
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence C Brody
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Tiechl J, Abdel Azim S, Leitner K, Berger A, Mutz-Dehbalaie I, Goebel G, Scheier M. Screening for Open Spina Bifida in a Routine Clinical Setting at the First-Trimester Scan: A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study. Fetal Diagn Ther 2021; 48:1-7. [PMID: 33535205 DOI: 10.1159/000512487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of screening for open spina bifida (OSB) integrated into the routine first-trimester screening. METHOD This is a prospective multicentre study of 4,755 women undergoing first-trimester ultrasound scans over a 4-year period. Measurements of the brainstem (BS) diameter and brainstem-to-occipital-bone (BSOB) distance were performed. The cisterna magna (CM) was measured in the tilted axial view. RESULTS Pregnancy outcome data were available for 4,658 fetuses included in this study. There were 5 fetuses with OSB, and in all of them, the BS/BSOB ratio and the CM measurements were abnormal. The sensitivity and specificity of a BS/BSOB ratio >1 were 100%. The sensitivity of a CM width <5th centile was 100%, and the specificity was 95.1%. In 4.6% of cases, the BS/BSOB ratio was between the 95th percentile and 1. In 87.1% of these cases, the CM was normal, and 12.9% had a CM below the 5th percentile. CONCLUSION Screening for OSB is feasible in routine first-trimester scans. The BS/BSOB ratio shows a very good sensitivity and specificity. In cases with near-normal values for the BS/BSOB ratio, the CM width might be helpful for further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Tiechl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Samira Abdel Azim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria,
| | - Katharina Leitner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Astrid Berger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Irene Mutz-Dehbalaie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Goebel
- Department of Medical Statistics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Di Mascio D, Greco F, Rizzo G, Khalil A, Buca D, Sorrentino F, Vasciaveo L, Greco P, Nappi L, D'Antonio F. Diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in identifying the level of the lesion in fetuses with open spina bifida: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:210-219. [PMID: 32979219 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of prenatal ultrasound in correctly identifying the level of the lesion in fetuses with open spina bifida has yet to be determined. The primary aim of this systematic review was to report the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in determining the level of the lesion in fetuses with open spina bifida. The secondary aim was to elucidate whether prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the diagnostic performance of prenatal imaging in correctly identifying the level of the lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS Inclusion criteria were studies reporting the agreement between ultrasound, MRI and postnatal or postmortem assessment of fetuses with spina bifida. Agreement was defined as: complete (when the upper level of the lesion detected prenatally was the same recorded at postnatal or postmortem evaluation), within one (when the upper level of the lesion recorded prenatally was within one vertebral body higher or lower than that reported postnatally) and within two vertebral bodies (when the upper level of the lesion recorded prenatally was within two vertebral bodies higher or lower than that reported postnatally or postmortem evaluation). Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. RESULTS Fourteen studies (655 fetuses) were included. Ultrasound was able to identify the correct level of the lesion in 40.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.9-55.6) of cases. The upper level of the lesion recorded on ultrasound was within one vertebral body in 76.2% (95% CI 65.0-85.9) of cases and within two segments in 92.4% (95% CI 84.3-97.7). Fetal MRI detected the exact level of the lesion in 42.5% (95% CI 35.9-45.2) of cases; the level of the lesion recorded on MRI was higher in 26.4% (95% CI 20.0-33.3) of cases and lower in 32.4% (95% CI 25.5-39.7) than that confirmed postnatally. The upper level of the lesion recorded on MRI was within one vertebral body in 76.2% (95% CI 65.9-85.2) of cases and within two segments in 94.2% (95% CI 90.2-97.2). CONCLUSIONS Both ultrasound and MRI have a moderate diagnostic accuracy in identify the upper level of the lesion in fetuses with open spina bifida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Di Mascio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Ospedale Cristo Re, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Center, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Danilo Buca
- Center for Fetal Care and High-risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Felice Sorrentino
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vasciaveo
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, S. Anna University Hospital, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Nappi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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Taruscio D, Mantovani A. Multifactorial Rare Diseases: Can Uncertainty Analysis Bring Added Value to the Search for Risk Factors and Etiopathogenesis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57020119. [PMID: 33525390 PMCID: PMC7911455 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Uncertainty analysis is the process of identifying limitations in knowledge and evaluating their implications for scientific conclusions. Uncertainty analysis is a stable component of risk assessment and is increasingly used in decision making on complex health issues. Uncertainties should be identified in a structured way and prioritized according to their likely impact on the outcome of scientific conclusions. Uncertainty is inherent to the rare diseases (RD) area, where research and healthcare have to cope with knowledge gaps due to the rarity of the conditions; yet a systematic approach toward uncertainties is not usually undertaken. The uncertainty issue is particularly relevant to multifactorial RD, whose etiopathogenesis involves environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Three case studies are presented: the newly recognized acute multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection; the assessment of risk factors for neural tube defects; and the genotype-phenotype correlation in familial Mediterranean fever. Each case study proposes the initial identification of the main epistemic and sampling uncertainties and their impacts. Uncertainty analysis in RD may present aspects similar to those encountered when conducting risk assessment in data-poor scenarios; therefore, approaches such as expert knowledge elicitation may be considered. The RD community has a main strength in managing uncertainty, as it proactively develops stakeholder involvement, data sharing and open science. The open science approaches can be profitably integrated by structured uncertainty analysis, especially when dealing with multifactorial RD involving environmental and genetic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Taruscio
- National Center for Rare Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department on Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Roma, Italy;
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Morris JK, Addor MC, Ballardini E, Barisic I, Barrachina-Bonet L, Braz P, Cavero-Carbonell C, Den Hond E, Garne E, Gatt M, Haeusler M, Khoshnood B, Lelong N, Kinsner-Ovaskainen A, Kiuru-Kuhlefelt S, Klungsoyr K, Latos-Bielenska A, Limb E, O'Mahony MT, Perthus I, Pierini A, Rankin J, Rissmann A, Rouget F, Sayers G, Sipek A, Stevens S, Tucker D, Verellen-Dumoulin C, de Walle HEK, Wellesley D, Wertelecki W, Bermejo-Sanchez E. Prevention of Neural Tube Defects in Europe: A Public Health Failure. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:647038. [PMID: 34249803 PMCID: PMC8264257 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.647038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Thirty years ago it was demonstrated that folic acid taken before pregnancy and in early pregnancy reduced the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). Despite Public Health Initiatives across Europe recommending that women take 0.4 mg folic acid before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester, the prevalence of NTD pregnancies has not materially decreased in the EU since 1998, in contrast to the dramatic fall observed in the USA. This study aimed to estimate the number of NTD pregnancies that would have been prevented if flour had been fortified with folic acid in Europe from 1998 as it had been in the USA. Design and Setting: The number of NTD pregnancies from 1998 to 2017 that would have been prevented if folic acid fortification had been implemented in the 28 countries who were members of the European Union in 2019 was predicted was predicted using data on NTD prevalence from 35 EUROCAT congenital anomaly registries and literature searches for population serum folate levels and folic acid supplementation. Results: From 1998 to 2017 an estimated 95,213 NTD pregnancies occurred amongst 104 million births in the 28 countries in the EU, a prevalence of 0.92 per 1,000 births. The median serum folate level in Europe over this time period was estimated to be 14.1 μg/L. There is a lack of information about women taking folic acid supplements before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy, with one meta-analysis indicating that around 25% of women did so. An estimated 14,600 NTD pregnancies may have been prevented if the European countries had implemented fortification at the level adopted by the USA in 1998 and 25% of women took folic acid supplements. An estimated 19,500 NTD pregnancies would have been prevented if no women took folic acid supplements. Conclusions: This study suggests that failure to implement mandatory folic acid fortification in the 28 European countries has caused, and continues to cause, neural tube defects to occur in almost 1,000 pregnancies every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan K Morris
- Population Health Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Claude Addor
- Department of Woman-Mother-Child, University Hospital Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Ballardini
- Indagine Sulle Malformazioni Congenite in Emilia-Romagna (IMER) Registry (Emilia Romagna Registry of Birth Defects) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Section Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ingeborg Barisic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Medical School University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laia Barrachina-Bonet
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Braz
- Epidemiology Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Clara Cavero-Carbonell
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Health Department, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ester Garne
- Paediatric Department, Hospital Lillebaelt Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Miriam Gatt
- Directorate for Health Information and Research, Pietà, Malta
| | - Martin Haeusler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Babak Khoshnood
- Université de Paris, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS/CRESS/Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Lelong
- Université de Paris, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS/CRESS/Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | | | - Sonja Kiuru-Kuhlefelt
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Terveyden Ja Hyvinvoinnin Laitos (THL), Register of Congenital Malformations, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Klungsoyr
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Latos-Bielenska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Elizabeth Limb
- Population Health Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary T O'Mahony
- Health Service Executive-South, Department of Public Health, St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Isabelle Perthus
- Auvergne Registry of Congenital Anomalies (CEMC-Auvergne), Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anna Pierini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Florence Rouget
- Brittany Registry of Congenital Anomalies, CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Gerardine Sayers
- Health Intelligence R&D Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonin Sipek
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - David Tucker
- Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service for Wales, Public Health Wales Knowledge Directorate, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hermien E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, Eurocat Northern Netherlands, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Diana Wellesley
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eva Bermejo-Sanchez
- Spanish Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECEMC), Unidad de Investigación sobre Anomalías Congénitas, Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Inadequate Status and Low Awareness of Folate in Switzerland-A Call to Strengthen Public Health Measures to Ensure Sufficient Intakes. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123729. [PMID: 33287229 PMCID: PMC7761771 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Folate plays an essential role in the prevention of neural tube defects, yet little is known about the folate status of women of reproductive age or to what degree the general population is aware of the importance of folate in early-life development. We aimed to determine folate status in women of reproductive age and pregnant women in Switzerland, and to assess folate awareness in the Swiss population. Methods: In a convenience sample of 171 women of reproductive age and 177 pregnant women throughout Switzerland, we measured red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration. In a second convenience sample (n = 784, men and women) we assessed folate knowledge with an online survey. Results: RBC folate concentration (median interquartile range) was 442 (366, 564) nmol/L in women of reproductive age and 873 (677, 1177) nmol/L in pregnant women. Folate deficiency (RBC folate <340 nmol/L) was found in 19.9% of women of reproductive age and 2.8% of pregnant women, while 91.8% of women of reproductive age and 52.0% of pregnant women showed folate concentrations indicating an elevated risk of neural tube defects (RBC folate <906 nmol/L). The online survey showed that a high proportion (≥88%) of participants were aware of folate’s role in neural tube defect (NTD) prevention and fetal development, yet knowledge about dietary sources and national recommendations of folate supplementation when planning pregnancy were limited. Conclusion: The high prevalence of folate inadequacy in Swiss women suggests an elevated risk of neural tube defects and calls for urgent measures to increase folate intakes.
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Edris Y, Abdurahman H, Desalew A, Weldegebreal F. Neural Tube Defects and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia. Glob Pediatr Health 2020; 7:2333794X20974218. [PMID: 33241089 PMCID: PMC7672758 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x20974218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neural tube defects are a major public health problem and substantially contribute to morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. There are a paucity of data on the magnitude and associated factors of neural tube defects in Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting. Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of neural tube defects and associated factors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed from October 2019 to January 2020. A total of 420 newborn-mother pairs were included consecutively. Data were collected using a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The magnitude of neural tube defects was 5.71% (95% CI: 3.5-7.9). Approximately 83.5% of infants had spinal bifida and 16.5% anencephaly. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, preterm birth (32-34 weeks) (AOR= 3.84; 95% CI: 2.1,10.7), low birth weight (1000-1500 g) (AOR = 4.74; 95% CI: 1.8, 9.1), 1500-2500 g (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2. 1, 13.2), maternal coffee consumption (AOR = 11.2; 95% CI: 3.1, 23.7), a history of abortion or stillbirth (AOR = 9.6; 95% CI:7.6,19.4), radiation exposure (AOR = 5.0; 95% CI:1.6,14.3), and intake of anticonvulsant drugs during pregnancy (AOR = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.5,16.2) were factors associated with neural tube defects. Conclusion: In this study, the burden of neural tube defects was 5.71% among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, which was a public health concern. Increased attention to the monitoring of neural tube defects in eastern Ethiopia is crucial to improve birth outcomes in the study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Edris
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Hanan Abdurahman
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Assefa Desalew
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Weldegebreal
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Guillaume M, Riquet S, Zakarian C, Comte F. [Iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: patient compliance]. SANTE PUBLIQUE 2020; 32:161-170. [PMID: 32989945 DOI: 10.3917/spub.202.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For over 20 years, there have been many recommendations for iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and periconceptional periods. Despite the recommendations, the deficiency rate remains high. METHOD A quantitative, prospective, descriptive, multicentric survey was conducted with new mothers (n=200) hospitalized in the postpartum department in three different levels of maternity hospitals. A questionnaire based on current medical literature on the topic was used to question pregnant women about their pregnancy and their periconceptional period. The purpose of this study was to record the compliance and the reasons of non-compliance of pregnant women concerning their intake of supplementary iron, vitamin D and acid folic during their pregnancy. RESULTS Less than one out of two women reported having received a prescription for folic acid or vitamin D; and two thirds of pregnant women reported having received iron supplementation during their pregnancy. More than one in three women who had received a supplementation prescription reported not knowing the aim. The multiparity (p=0.03) and social assistance affiliation (p=0.05) are significant parameters influencing a poor compliance of supplementations. CONCLUSIONS The supplementations during pregnancy and periconceptional period are still insufficient in regards to recommendations. Public health measures could be applied at a younger age through the establishment of nutrition courses.
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Khoshnood B. Selection bias in studies of birth defects among livebirths: Much ado about nothing? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:665-667. [PMID: 32885460 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Babak Khoshnood
- Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS/CRESS/Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Reiss A, Cohen MJ, Kaliner E, Gabai Kapara E, Singer A, Grotto I, Gamzu R. Lower rates of neural tube defects in Israel following folic acid supplementation policy. Prev Med 2020; 139:106064. [PMID: 32220587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common and disabling congenital malformations that remain a public health challenge despite prevention efforts. In 2000, The Israeli Ministry of Health published recommendations on daily folic acid (FA) supplementation for women of reproductive age and established a national NTD registry. This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of the FA supplementation policy on NTD rates in Israel and the need for further intervention. In this descriptive report, we present the rate of NTD-affected pregnancies recorded in the registry between 2000 and 2012, their subtype (anencephaly, spina bifida or other), outcome (live birth, stillbirth or pregnancy termination), ethnic group (Jewish, Bedouin and non-Bedouin Muslim) and years of maternal education. The final analysis included 2374 NTD cases reported between 2000 and 2012, compared with 1,668,073 live births. During this period NTD rates decreased from 20.3 to 11.2 cases per 10,000 live births, a 45% reduction. Reductions were seen in rates of spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele. NTD rates decreased in all pregnancy outcomes and in all ethnic groups, though rates among Bedouins remain high. Women with higher levels of education tended to have lower NTD rates, and were more prone to choose termination of an affected pregnancy. Following the institution of FA supplementation in Israel, a substantial reduction was seen in NTD rates. Nonetheless, Israeli NTD rates remain higher than in other developed countries. FA interventions should continue to be vigorously implemented, especially in vulnerable populations. The global success of mandatory fortification of grain strongly advocates its consideration in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Reiss
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Matan J Cohen
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel; Clalit Health Services, Jerusalem District, Israel
| | - Ehud Kaliner
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Amihood Singer
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Ronni Gamzu
- Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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44
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Gotha L, Pruthi V, Abbasi N, Kulkarni AV, Church P, Drake JM, Carvalho JCA, Diambomba Y, Thakur V, Ryan G, Van Mieghem T. Fetal spina bifida: What we tell the parents. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:1499-1507. [PMID: 32692418 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, about 150 000 infants are born with spina bifida yearly, making this condition one of the most common fetal central nervous system anomalies compatible with life. Over the last decade, major changes have been introduced in the prenatal diagnosis and management of spina bifida. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the current management of fetal spina bifida and present essential information that should be provided to expecting parents when their fetus has been diagnosed with spina bifida. This information is focused around common parental questions, as encountered in our typical clinical practice, to facilitate knowledge translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Gotha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vagisha Pruthi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nimrah Abbasi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abhaya V Kulkarni
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paige Church
- Department of Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James M Drake
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jose C A Carvalho
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yenge Diambomba
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Varsha Thakur
- Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cardiology, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Greg Ryan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada
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45
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Damen KMS, Takken T, de Groot JF, Backx FJG, Radder B, Roos ICPM, Bloemen MAT. 6-Minute Push Test in Youth Who Have Spina Bifida and Who Self-Propel a Wheelchair: Reliability and Physiologic Response. Phys Ther 2020; 100:1852-1861. [PMID: 32671398 PMCID: PMC7530576 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the common occurrence of lower levels of physical activity and physical fitness in youth with spina bifida (SB) who use a wheelchair, there are very few tests available to measure and assess these levels. The purpose of this study was to determine reliability and the physiologic response of the 6-minute push test (6MPT) in youth with SB who self-propel a wheelchair. METHODS In this reliability and observational study, a sample of 53 youth with SB (5-19 years old; mean age = 13 years 7 months; 32 boys and 21 girls) who used a wheelchair performed 2 exercise tests: the 6MPT and shuttle ride test. Heart rate, minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, and oxygen consumption were measured using a calibrated mobile gas analysis system and a heart rate monitor. For reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), SE of measurement, smallest detectable change for total covered distance, minute work, and heart rate were calculated. Physiologic response during the 6MPT was expressed as percentage of maximal values achieved during the shuttle ride test. RESULTS The ICCs for total distance and minute work were excellent (0.95 and 0.97, respectively), and the ICC for heart rate was good (0.81). The physiologic response during the 6MPT was 85% to 89% of maximal values, except for minute ventilation (70.6%). CONCLUSIONS For most youth with SB who use a wheelchair for mobility or sports participation, the 6MPT is a reliable, functional performance test on a vigorous level of exercise. IMPACT This is the first study to investigate physiologic response during the 6MPT in youth (with SB) who are wheelchair using. Clinicians can use the 6MPT to evaluate functional performance and help design effective exercise programs for youth with SB who are wheelchair using.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn M S Damen
- Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 7, Postbus 12011, 3501 AA Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Master Program Physiotherapy, Specialisation Paediatric Physiotherapy, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
| | - Tim Takken
- Child Development & Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Janke F de Groot
- Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Child Development & Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht
| | - Frank J G Backx
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht
| | - Bob Radder
- Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht; and Child Development & Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht
| | - Irene C P M Roos
- Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Child Development & Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht
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46
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Wegner C, Kancherla V, Lux A, Köhn A, Bretschneider D, Freese K, Heiduk M, Redlich A, Schleef D, Jorch G, Rissmann A. Periconceptional folic acid supplement use among women of reproductive age and its determinants in central rural Germany: Results from a cross sectional study. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1057-1066. [PMID: 32445297 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of neural tube defects (NTD) has not decreased in Germany despite longstanding recommendations for folic acid supplementation. To examine the prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplement use and associated factors among German women of reproductive age. METHODS Cross-sectional survey was conducted in hospital-based maternity units in rural Germany. A sample of 1,004 women of reproductive age, either pregnant or in their early postpartum period, took interviewer/self-administered paper-based survey questionnaire. Prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplement use was assessed, where periconception was defined as 1 month prior to and 3 months post-conception. Prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using crude and adjusted logistic regression analysis were estimated to examine determinants of folic acid supplement use. RESULTS Prevalence of folic acid supplement use was 41.5% (95% CI: 37.7%, 45.7%). Multivariable analysis showed lack of educational qualifications, unplanned pregnancy, later diagnosis of pregnancy, increased parity, and not having an awareness of importance of folic acid for optimal pregnancy outcomes were associated with not taking periconceptional folic acid supplements. Books, doctors, friends, media, were sources of information. CONCLUSION Periconceptional folic acid is sub-optimal in rural Germany and thus failing to prevent NTDs. Targeted promotion of folic acid supplement use should be conducted periodically by gynecologists and primary care physicians during annual medical screenings. Mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods is a complementary approach to overcome limitations of individual behaviors of folic acid supplement intake, and should be considered as it has been proven effective in multiple countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wegner
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vijaya Kancherla
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anke Lux
- Institute for Biometrics and Medical Informatics, University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Köhn
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Bretschneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Marienstift Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Freese
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Marienstift Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heiduk
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Magdeburg gGmbH, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anke Redlich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Schleef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Magdeburg GmbH, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Jorch
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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van Gool JD, Hirche H, Lax H, Schaepdrijver LD. Fallacies of clinical studies on folic acid hazards in subjects with a low vitamin B 12 status. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:177-187. [PMID: 32228273 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1727842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A 2016 plea for revision of the 1 mg/day upper level of folic acid intake prompted us to comprehensively review the 1945-2017 literature on folic acid hazards in subjects with low cyanocobalamin. The concept of folic acid treatment 'masking' the anemia in undiagnosed cyanocobalamin deficiency, thereby delaying the diagnosis of neuropathy, does not account for the dissociation between the deficiency's hematologic and neurologic manifestations. Possible risks of this concept were addressed by 1963-1971 FDA rulings, classifying all folic acid preparations as prescription-only drugs, delivering ≤1 mg daily. The neuropathy in folic acid trials for 'pernicious anemia' is due to the singular use of folic acid-neuropathy improved or disappeared with replacement of folic acid by liver extract or cyanocobalamin. The hypothesis that cognitive impairment in 'subclinical' cyanocobalamin deficiency is folate-mediated is untenable. Of 6 papers specifically investigating this, none could prove that increased cognitive impairment was related to high folate intake. This review fully supports the safety of the 1 mg/day upper level for folic acid intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D van Gool
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen-Duisburg University, Essen, Germany
| | - Herbert Hirche
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen-Duisburg University, Essen, Germany
| | - Hildegard Lax
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen-Duisburg University, Essen, Germany
| | - Luc De Schaepdrijver
- Department of Nonclinical Safety, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
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48
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Danzer E, Joyeux L, Flake AW, Deprest J. Fetal surgical intervention for myelomeningocele: lessons learned, outcomes, and future implications. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:417-425. [PMID: 31840814 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) closure (spina bifida aperta) has become a care option for patients that meet inclusion criteria, but it is clear that fetal intervention, while improving outcomes, is not a cure. This review will: (1) focus on the rationale for fMMC surgery based on preclinical studies and observations that laid the foundation for human pilot studies and a randomized controlled trial; (2) summarize important clinical outcomes; (3) discuss the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of recent developments in fetal surgical techniques and approaches; and (4) highlight future research directions. Given the increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity associated with prenatal intervention, accompanied by the increasing number of centres performing interventions worldwide, teams involved in the care of these patients need to proceed with caution to maintain technical expertise, competency, and patient safety. Ongoing assessment of durability of the benefits of fMMC surgery, as well as additional refinement of patient selection criteria and counselling, is needed to further improve outcomes and reduce the risks to the mother and fetus. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: High-quality prospective studies are needed to broaden the indication for fetal surgery in the general myelomeningocele population. Innovative minimally invasive approaches have had promising results, yet lack comprehensive and robust experimental or clinical evaluation. Important information to help families make informed decisions regarding fetal surgery for myelomeningocele is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Danzer
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luc Joyeux
- MyFetUZ Fetal Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Woman and Child, Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alan W Flake
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jan Deprest
- MyFetUZ Fetal Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Woman and Child, Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
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49
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Kim J, Gong HS, Kim HS, Seok HS, Oh S, Baek GH. Parenting stress in mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences and its effect on the surgical decision-making for their children. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2020; 27:2309499019838900. [PMID: 30939996 DOI: 10.1177/2309499019838900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main purposes of this study were to assess the levels of parenting stress in the mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences and to evaluate the effects of this stress on the preferred roles of mothers in surgical decision-making for their children. METHODS This study included 89 mothers of children with polydactyly of the hand, polydactyly of the foot, a hypoplastic thumb, or macrodactyly. The parenting stress level was assessed using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Additionally, the mothers were requested to indicate their preferred and retrospectively perceived levels of involvement in surgical decision-making for their children using the Control Preferences Scale, which is comprised of five levels ranging from fully active to fully passive. RESULTS The average PSI-SF scores were 73.9, and 15 mothers (17%) had a clinically significant level of stress (PSI-SF ≥ 90). In the mothers of children with polydactyly of the foot, the PSI score was associated with the preferred role in surgical decision-making. CONCLUSION The assessment of parenting stress levels in the mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences can play an important role in the screening of candidates who require psychiatric treatment or support. An evaluation of the PSI in mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences may aid physicians to modify their style of decision-making based on the preferred role of the mother. Level of evidence: Level IV Therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyeung Kim
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Sik Gong
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kim
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Sik Seok
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Oh
- 2 Department of Biostatistics, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Hyun Baek
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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50
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle and the prefrontal space ratio (PFSR) are helpful in screening for open spinal defects by ultrasound in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS The FMF angle and the PFSR were measured in fetuses with spina bifida according to standardized protocols. The normal range of the PFSR was previously published by our group. To determine the normal values for the FMF angle in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, we used the same stored images from the above-mentioned study. RESULTS 71 affected and 279 normal fetuses were included in this study. Median gestational ages in the two groups were 21.1 weeks and 21.6 weeks, respectively. In fetuses with spina bifida, the FMF angle was significantly smaller than in the normal population (72.9° versus 79.6°). However, the measurement was below the fifth centile in only 22.5% of the affected fetuses. The PFSR was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The FMF angle is smaller in second and third trimester fetuses with open spina bifida. However, the difference is not large enough to implement this marker in current screening programs.
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