Cost-effectiveness of mandatory folic acid fortification of flours in prevention of neural tube defects: A systematic review

The current state of Spina Bifida in low- and middle-income countries: where does Africa stand?

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that results in abnormal development of the spine and central nervous system. Infants born with this condition face a range of physical disabilities and associated complications. Although the global burden has declined in recent decades due to folic acid fortification and prenatal screening, spina bifida remains a significant public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This research aimed to comprehensively assess the current epidemiological trends, clinical management practices, and socioeconomic impacts of spina bifida across African LMICs. Through a systematic analytical search of published literature from major medical databases covering the years 2000-2023, relevant data were extracted on the prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentations, treatment modalities, outcomes, and contextual barriers faced in preventing and caring for spina bifida in these settings. The findings were analyzed and synthesized to provide an overview of the contemporary landscape. The findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare providers, nongovernmental organizations, and international stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges posed by spina bifida in LMICs, particularly within the African continent, and to promote equitable access to comprehensive care and support for affected individuals and their families.

Action against birth defects: if not now, when?

BACKGROUND

More children are surviving through interventions to address the infectious causes of under-5 mortality; subsequently, the proportion of deaths caused by birth defects is increasing. Prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care interventions for birth defects are available but are needed where the burden is highest, low-and-middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

A selection of birth defect focused publications, conferences, and World Health Assembly resolutions from 2000 to 2017 show that global efforts were made to raise the profile of birth defects in global public health. However, recent donor support and national government interest has waned. Without concerted global action to improve primary prevention and care for children born with birth defects, the Sustainable Development Goal targets for child survival will not be met.

RESULTS

Birth defects make up 8% and 10% of global under-5 and neonatal deaths respectively, making them significant contributors to preventable loss of life for children. Survivors face long-term morbidity and lifelong disability which compounds the health and economic woes of individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. Demographic changes in sub-Saharan Africa portend a growing number of births with 1.6 billion projected from 2021 to 2050. More births and better survival without effective prevention and treatment for birth defects translates into more mortality and disability from birth defects.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend interventions for prevention of birth defects. These are evidenced-based and affordable, but require low- and middle-income countries to strengthened their health systems. Action against birth defects now will prevent premature deaths and long-term disability, and lead to stronger, more resilient health systems.

Insights and perceptions: Investigating pregnant women's attitudes, understanding, and factors influencing knowledge regarding medication usage during pregnancy-A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Medication use during pregnancy is a critical concern due to potential risks to both the mother and fetus. To the extent of our knowledge, there has been no prior research to assess medication use and identify the specific factors of pregnant women within the Yemeni community. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of Yemeni pregnant women regarding medication use and assess the factors associated with the knowledge during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a validated structured questionnaire. The study was conducted on pregnant women receiving antenatal care at tertiary care hospitals in four governorates in Yemen. Univariable and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to examine the relationship between participant variables and their knowledge. A P-value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of the 1003 pregnant women, 35.4% (n = 355) were aged 21-25 years, 33.9% (n = 340) had primary education, 73.6% (n = 738) lived in urban areas, 12.2% (n = 122) were smokers, 38.3% (n = 384) reported chewing khat, and the majority (90.2%, n = 905) were unemployed. Also, 65.5% (n = 657) of the participants reported taking folic acid in their current pregnancy. A total of 2,623 medications were utilized during pregnancy, with 17.8% during the first trimester (n = 468). Around 39.3% (n = 1,037) of medications used fell under the blood and blood-forming organs category. Education level (AOR: 4.00, P < .001), insurance status (AOR: 1.71, P = .026), information about medication risks to the fetus (AOR: 1.96, P = .023), the use of folic acid either in a previous pregnancy (AOR: 1.65, P < .008) or in the current pregnancy (AOR: 4.26, P < .001), and checking the medication leaflet (AOR: 5.67, P < .001) were predictors of higher knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the pressing need for educational interventions aimed at pregnant women. By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting informed decision-making, such initiatives can contribute to a safer and healthier pregnancy journey, reducing the inclination towards self-medication.

Global heterogeneity in folic acid fortification policies and implications for prevention of neural tube defects and stroke: a systematic review

Background

Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) supplements are highly effective for prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) prompting implementation of mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification for prevention of NTDs. We used plasma folate levels in population studies by country and year to compare effects of folic acid fortification types (mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification policies) on plasma folate levels, NTD prevalence and stroke mortality rates.

Methods

We conducted systematic reviews of (i) implementation of folic acid fortification in 193 countries that were member states of the World Health Organization by country and year, and (ii) estimated population mean plasma folate levels by year and type of folic acid fortification. We identified relevant English language reports published between Jan 1, 1990 and July 31, 2023 using Google Scholar, Medline, Embase and Global Health. Eligibility criteria were observational or interventional studies with >1000 participants. Studies of pregnant women or children <15 years were excluded. Using an ecological study design, we examined the associations of folic acid fortification types with NTD prevalence (n = 108 studies) and stroke mortality rates (n = 3 countries).

Findings

Among 193 countries examined up to 31 July 2023, 69 implemented mandatory folic acid fortification, 47 had voluntary fortification, but 77 had no fortification (accounting for 32%, 53% and 15% of worldwide population, respectively). Mean plasma folate levels were 36, 21 and 17 nmol/L in populations with mandatory, voluntary and no fortification, respectively (and proportions with mean folate levels >25 nmol/L were 100%, 15% and 7%, respectively). Among 75 countries with NTD prevalence, mean (95% CI) prevalence per 10,000 population were 4.19 (4.11-4.28), 7.61 (7.47-7.75) and 9.66 (9.52-9.81) with mandatory, voluntary and no folic acid fortification, respectively. However, age-standardised trends in stroke mortality rates were unaltered by the introduction of folic acid fortification.

Interpretation

There is substantial heterogeneity in folic acid fortification policies worldwide where folic acid fortification are associated with 50-100% higher population mean plasma folate levels and 25-50% lower NTD prevalence compared with no fortification. Many thousand NTD pregnancies could be prevented yearly if all countries implemented mandatory folic acid fortification. Further trials of folic acid for stroke prevention are required in countries without effective folic acid fortification policies.

Funding

Medical Research Council (UK) and British Heart Foundation.

Maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants; a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Maternal folic acid supplementation is protective against the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. However, recent public-facing communications have raised concerns about a causal relationship between folic acid supplementation, particularly after the first trimester, and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants. Non-evidence-based communications are potentially harmful because they could adversely affect adherence to folic acid supplementation, increasing NTD occurrence. This study aimed to review evidence on the relationships between maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception and/or pregnancy and the risk of ankyloglossia in infants.

METHODS

We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. We searched for observational, and interventional studies, and systematic reviews investigating the effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception or pregnancy on the occurrence of ankyloglossia in offspring. The search was registered on PROSPERO on 01/12/2022, ID: CRD42022375862.

RESULTS

The database searches yielded 93 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 26 remained. One article was judged relevant for inclusion in analyses; a case-control study that directly mentions the relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. This study reported that regular intake of folic acid supplements was higher in women with infants with ankyloglossia. However, this study has limitations regarding design, selection bias, and confounding, calling the findings into question.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient evidence exists for a relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. Currently, the benefits of folic acid supplementation far outweigh the risks. This must be clearly communicated to patients by their clinicians during preconception and antenatal care.

Investigating the pathways from preconception care to preventing maternal, perinatal and child mortality: A scoping review and causal loop diagram

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that developing preconception care provides an opportunity to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity. This involves targeting multiple risk factors through a large array of medical, behavioural and social interventions. In this study, we created a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) to describe several pathways by which a set of preconception interventions may lead to women's improved health and better pregnancy outcomes. The CLD was informed by a scoping review of meta-analyses. It summarises evidence on the outcomes and interventions related to eight preconception risk factors. The authors reviewed literature from two databases (PubMed and Embase) and used the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. The CLD includes 29 constructs categorised into five different levels (mortality, causes of death, preconception risk factors, intermediate factors, interventions or policies). The model indicates interconnections between five sub-systems and highlights the role of preventing early and rapidly repeated pregnancies, as well as optimising women's nutritional status in the preconception period. It also shows the prevention of preterm birth as a privileged route for lowering child mortality and morbidity. The CLD demonstrates the potential benefits of strategies that address multiple preconception risk factors simultaneously and can be used as a tool to promote the integration of preconception care into efforts to prevent maternal and child mortality. With further improvements, this model could serve as a basis for future research on the costs and benefits of preconception care.

Integrated surveillance strategy to support the prevention of neural tube defects through food fortification with folic acid: the experience of Costa Rica

PURPOSE

(1) To describe how Costa Rica implemented an integrated surveillance strategy of folate deficiency, neural tube defects (NTDs) prevalence, NTDs-associated infant mortality rate (NTDs-IMR), and folic acid food fortification (FAFF), to support with evidence NTDs prevention policies; (2) to disseminate updated data from monitoring programs.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis, using the databases of national surveillance systems for NTDs outcomes to compare NTDs-prevalence and NTDs-IMR observed in the pre-fortification (1987-1998) and post-fortification (2010-2020) periods. In addition, using data from FAFF monitoring program (2010-2020), means of folic acid concentration (mg/kg) and folic acid daily intake (μg/day) were calculated for each fortified food (corn and wheat flour, rice and milk), as well as its contribution to folic acid estimated average requirement (EAR).

RESULTS

After FAFF Costa Rica showed a decrease of 84% in folic acid deficiency in women of childbearing age, as well as a 53% decrease in the prevalence of NTDs, falling from 11.82/10,000 to 5.52/10,000 livebirths. In addition, there was a 76% reduction in the NTDs-IMR from 77.01/100,000 to 18.66/100,000 livebirths. Between 2010 and 2020, all fortified foods provided an average contribution of 119% of the EAR of folic acid in the population.

CONCLUSION

To reduce NTD risk, an integrated surveillance strategy is essential not only to base prevention strategies on evidence, but also to demonstrate their impact and improve interventions over time. The experience in Costa Rica provides evidence that this type of surveillance is feasible to be implemented in developing countries.

Neurosurgeon-Led Advocacy for Folic Acid Fortification to Prevent Spina Bifida

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.013. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal.

A Paternal Methylation Error in the Congenital Hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) Rat Is Partially Rescued with Natural Folate Supplements

Folate deficiencies, folate imbalance and associated abnormal methylation are associated with birth defects, developmental delays, neurological conditions and diseases. In the hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) rat, 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is reduced or absent from the CSF and the nuclei of cells in the brain and liver and this is correlated with decreased DNA methylation. In the present study, we tested whether impaired folate metabolism or methylation exists in sexually mature, unaffected H-Tx rats, which may explain the propagation of hydrocephalus in their offspring. We compared normal Sprague Dawley (SD, n = 6) rats with untreated H-Tx (uH-Tx, n = 6 and folate-treated H-Tx (TrH-Tx, n = 4). Structural abnormalities were observed in the testis of uH-Tx rats, with decreased methylation, increased demethylation, and cell death, particularly of sperm. FDH and FRα protein expression was increased in uH-Tx males but not in folate-treated males but tissue folate levels were unchanged. 5-Methylcytosine was significantly reduced in untreated and partially restored in treated individuals, while 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was not significantly changed. Similarly, a decrease in DNA-methyltransferase-1 expression in uH-Tx rats was partially reversed with treatment. The data expose a significant germline methylation error in unaffected adult male H-Tx rats from which hydrocephalic offspring are obtained. Reduced methylation in the testis and sperm was partially recovered by treatment with folate supplements leading us to conclude that this neurological disorder may not be completely eradicated by maternal supplementation alone.

Prevented cases of neural tube defects and cost savings after folic acid fortification of flour in Brazil

Anencephaly, encephalocele, and spina bifida are congenital neural tube defects and are the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and impose a heavy economic burden on health systems. This study to estimates the direct costs of neural tube defects from the perspective of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the prevented cases and cost savings during the period in which mandatory folic acid fortification was in effect in the country (2010-2019). It is a top-down cost-of-illness oriented study based on the prevalence of the disorders in Brazil. Data were collected from the Brazilian Ministry of Health's outpatient and hospital information system databases. The direct cost was estimated from the total patient-years, allocated by age and type of disorder. Prevented cases and cost savings were determined by the difference in the prevalence of the disorders in the pre- and post-fortification periods based on the total number of births and the sum of outpatient and hospital costs during the period. The total cost of outpatient and hospital services for these disorders totaled R$ 92,530,810.63 (Int$ 40,565,896.81) in 10 years; spina bifida accounted for 84.92% of the total cost. Hospital costs were expressive of all three disorders in the first year of the patient's life. Between 2010 and 2019, mandatory folic acid fortification prevented 3,499 live births with neural tube defects and resulted in R$ 20,381,586.40 (Int$ 8,935,373.25) in hospital and outpatient cost savings. Flour fortification has proved to be a valuable strategy in preventing pregnancies with neural tube defects. Since its implementation, there has been a 30% decrease in the prevalence of neural tube defects and a 22.81% decrease associated in hospital and outpatient costs.

The role of neurosurgeons in global public health: the case of folic acid fortification of staple foods to prevent spina bifida

OBJECTIVE

The global neurosurgery movement arose at the crossroads of unmet neurosurgical needs and public health to address the global burden of neurosurgical disease. The case of folic acid fortification (FAF) of staple foods for the prevention of spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA) represents an example of a new neurosurgical paradigm focused on public health intervention in addition to the treatment of individual cases. The Global Alliance for the Prevention of Spina Bifida-F (GAPSBiF), a multidisciplinary coalition of neurosurgeons, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, food scientists, and fortification policy experts, was formed to advocate for FAF of staple foods worldwide. This paper serves as a review of the work of GAPSBiF thus far in advocating for universal FAF of commonly consumed staple foods to equitably prevent SBA caused by folic acid insufficiency.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

In this review, the authors describe the impact of SBA on patients, caregivers, and health systems, as well as characterize the multifaceted requirements for proper spina bifida care, including multidisciplinary clinics and the transition of care, while highlighting the role of neurosurgeons. Then they discuss prevention policy approaches, including supplementation, fortification, and hybrid efforts with folic acid. Next, they use the example of FAF of staple foods as a model for neurosurgeons' involvement in global public health through clinical practice, research, education and training, and advocacy. Last, they describe mechanisms for involvement in the above initiatives as a potential academic tenure track, including institutional partnerships, organized neurosurgery, neurosurgical expert groups, nongovernmental organizations, national or international governments, and multidisciplinary coalitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of neurosurgeons in caring for children with spina bifida extends beyond treating patients in clinical practice and includes research, education and training, and advocacy initiatives to promote context-specific, evidence-based initiatives to public health problems. Promoting and championing FAF serves as an example of the far-reaching, impactful role that neurosurgeons worldwide may play at the intersection of neurosurgery and public health.

Design of Cereal Products Naturally Enriched in Folate from Barley Pearling By-Products

Folate is a fundamental vitamin for human health in prevention of many diseases; however, unfortunately its deficiency is widespread, so a greater availability of folate rich foods is desirable. The aim of this study was to design new cereal products naturally enriched in folate using barley flour from pearling as ingredient. Folate content of unfortified and fortified commercial grain-based products was considered to identify the best ingredients for new formulation and for folate content comparisons. Nineteen Italian barley cultivars were evaluated for their folate content and Natura was chosen for its highest folate levels = 69.3 μg/100 g f.w. Application of pearling gave a by-product flour with a high folate level: 221.7 ± 7.0 μg/100 g; this flour was employed to design pasta and biscuits naturally enriched in folate: 87.1 μg/100 g and 70.1 ± 3.7 μg/100 g f.w., respectively. Folate content of new products is higher than commercial samples: 39.2 μg/100 g in refined pasta, 60.4 μg/100 g in wholemeal pasta, 62.1 μg/100 g in fortified biscuits and 10.4 μg/100 g in unfortified ones. Enriched pasta had higher folate retention (68.5%) after cooking compared to the fortified one (27.8%). This research shows promising results concerning the pearling technique to design new cereal products naturally enriched in folates.