Frequency and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects In Samsun Province

Abstract Background: Neural tube defects (NTD) are a group of severe human congenital malformations and complex disorders appear to be affected by multiple factors, both genetic and environmental contributions. Aim: To asses the frequency of NTD in Samsun province and investigate the relationship between NTD and sociodemographic properties of families, maternal eating habits, maternal serum folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels. Study design : Case- control study Method: The women who gave birth to infants with NTDs and whose pregnancies were terminated due to having fetuses with NTDs between July 2007 and September 2008 were included in the study. The frequency of NTD was calculated from medical records for Samsun province. Sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, obstetric histories teratogen exposure and vitamin B12 and folic acid levels of study group were compared with controls. Results: In the study period, 63 fetuses with isolated NTD were noted. The frequency of NTD in Samsun region was %o3,4. In the study group, family incomes , maternal education and consumption of meat, milk, egg, cheese, vegetable, and legumes were lower than the control group (p<0.05). Sharing of the house with grandparents, unemployment rate, rate of febrile diseases, use of antipyretics, exposure to radiation were higher (p<0.05). Both maternal serum vitamin B12, folic acid in NTD group  were lower than controls. Conclusion: The frequency of NTD in Samsun region was relatively high. NTD was more frequent in individuals with poor maternal education, low income, and insufficient nutrition. Low serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels posed an increased risk for NTD. The importance of the vitamin supplements during pregnancy is to be better appreciated by the health authorities as well as the families.