Spectrum of prenatally diagnosed neural tube defects at a tertiary referral hospital in North India: a retrospective cohort study

Despite the widespread implementation of folic acid supplementation recommendations and fortification programmes, a significant number of cases of neural tube defects (NTDs) still exist. The global estimates suggest that more than 300,000 babies each year are born with NTDs. The incidence of these birth defects in developing nations is about four times higher than in developed ones. NTDs are among the major congenital anomalies which consists mainly of anencephaly, spina bifida and encephalocele, the first two being most common. NTDs, although largely preventable, constitute an important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. These birth defects constitute 10% of the burden of all congenital anomalies and accounts for 10% of all neonatal mortality worldwide. The health care of a child with NTD imposes ABSTRACT