European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

MAGNITUDE OF CENTRAL NERVE SYSTEM CONGENITAL ANOMALIES NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN KARBALA GOVERNORATE

Sahbaa Hafedh Sagban1*, Inas Muayad Mohammed Ali2 and Abdulhussain Kadhim Jwaziri3

ABSTRACT

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs), a prevalent kind of central nervous system anomaly, are an important issue for the public. Some factors related to the environment, such as excessive heat, some medicines (especially folic acid antagonists), pesticides, excessive levels of radiation during the periconceptional period, and cigarette smoking, can cause neural tube abnormalities (NTDs). Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors responsible of NTDs (Neural Tube Defects) in Karbala governorate. Patients and methods: a case - control study was conducted in the intensive care unit of the neonates in Kerbala teaching hospital for children in Karbala / Iraq. The research was established over 6years period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023, included 600 case -control group and115 patient group. Results: the most prevalent Type of congenital anomaly was Spina bifida (30.4%) and Congenital hydrocephalus (28.7%). 71.3% among cases had Maternal exposures (fever, radiation dihy% 4 yl o e ihw )Maternal exposures (fever, radiation %gh wh g a4 ai% .)
,iu% 4a i e %u hr%w r%wh hah4 u28.7% among the cases used i e %u hr%w r%wh hah4 u. 4 yl m .o 4a hu%u
% h%c%wPreconception folic acid supplementation while 87.0% among control received Preconception folic acid supplementation with statistical significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Spina bifida cystica was the most prevalent CNS defect observed in the current study, and the majority of mothers of the affected children did not receive folic acid supplementation during periconception (P < 0.05). Measures are needed to improve knowledge and implement suitable preventative health education measures, such as perinatal folic acid supplementation. and providing conventional prenatal care to moms of children at risk.

Keywords: Central nervous system, neural tube defects, neonates, congenital anomalies, prevalence, predisposing factors.