To study the epidemiology of Spina Bifida at our centre in India
Authors: Sangram Singh, Vigya Chourishi
Background
The human nervous system develops from a small, specialized
plate of cells along the back of an embryo. Early in development,
the edges of this plate begin to curl towards each other, creating
the neural tube - a narrow sheath that closes to form the brain and
spinal cord of the embryo. As development progresses, the top of
the tube becomes the brain and remainder becomes the spinal cord.
This process usually completes by 28th day of pregnancy. But, if
problem occurs during this process, the result can be brain
disorders called neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Spina
bifida, which literally means "cleft spine", is characterized by
the complete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or meninges
(the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord).
Etiology: Exact cause is unknown. Genetic and environmental
factors: malnutrition, exposure to harmful substances, inheritance,
10% greater chance in 2nd child with spina bifida. folic acid
deficiency. Epidemiological factors considered in the study; sex of
the patient, sex incidence in newborns, birth order of the
patients, risk factors, socioeconomic status
Materials and Methods
The study has been carried out in the paediatric surgery
department at our centre. We evaluated the 60 patients with spina
bifida at our centre with the comprehensive evaluation format,
history taking format, follow up chart.
Results
The following results have been obtained:
- Incidence is more common in males
- Incidence at birth is more in males
- Inadequate intake of folic acid and low socioeconomic status
are seen in almost all of the patients.
- Maximum patients are of 1st birth order
Conclusions
Spina bifida is one of the most common, serious malformations of
human structures after congenital heart defects. It is the defect
of primary neurulation that results from failure of fusion in the
caudal region of the neural tube. In this study, 60 cases of spina
bifida have been recorded and it has been found that:
- Incidence at birth and in children with spina bifida is more in
males.
- Inadequate intake of folic acid and low socioeconomic status
have been seen as the most common risk factors for spina
bifida
- Maternal fever during first trimester increases the risk of
spina bifida to two to three folds.
- 1st and 2nd child are most commonly affected.
Pediatric Surgery Department, Shri Aurobindo Institute of
Medical Sciences, Indore, [M.P.], 452016, Email: drsangramsingh@gmail.com
