Neural tube defects are a group of disorders that arise early in fetal development from the neural tube failing to close properly. This can cause lifelong complications depending on the severity of the defect. The three main types are anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. Precise causes are unknown but risk factors include folic acid deficiency, certain medications, and genetics. Prevention focuses on women getting adequate folic acid before and during early pregnancy. Treatment options depend on the type of defect but may include surgery before or after birth.

2. During the first 3-4 weeks of development, specific cells in an embryo curl up and their edges fuse together to form a narrow tube that becomes the foundation of the spinal cord, brain, and the bone and tissues that surround it

3. This neural tube fusing process usually is complete by 28 days of gestation – before many women even know that they are pregnant

5. Spina Bifida 55%

6. Anencephaly 45%

8. Multifactorial causation (partgenetic)

9. Family history(2-5% risk if one affected child)

10. Folate deficiency

11. Anti-epileptic drugs : Valproic acid, Tegretal

13. Anencephaly

14. Spina bifida

15. Encephalocele

16. Anencephaly :

17. Characterized by absence of large part of the brain and the skull.

18. Causes: failure of closure of the cephalic end of the neural tube

19. Features:

20. infants are born without a forebrain

21. The remaining brain tissue is often exposed; it is not covered by bone or skin

22. Spina bifida :

23. (a congenital malformation) in which there is a bony defect in the vertebral column

24. so that part of the spinal cord, which is normally protected within the vertebral column, is exposed

25. caused by : the failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development

26. Types of SB :

27. Spina bifida occulta (closed): 20%

28. Spina bifida manifesta (open): 80%

29. Meningocele: CSF only

30. Meningomyelocele( CSF+ Nerve fibers)

31. Encephalocele :

32. Is a severe birth defect

33. Caused by incomplete development of the skull that subsequently allows part of the brain to protrude through the hole in the skull

34. Babies with encephalocele ordinarily don't survive very long after birth, and if they do survive, they usually are severely mentally retarded Diagnosis <br />Can be done prenatal or after birth<br />Prenatal screening: <br />Measuring maternal serum alpha fetoprotein(AFP)<br />This is the first prenatal screening done at 15-20 weeks of gestation.<br />AFP is the major serum protein in early embryonic life. It is believed to be involved in preventing fetal immune rejection and is first made in the yolk sac and then later in the GI system and liver of the fetus.<br />AFP goes from the fetal blood stream to the fetal urinary tract, where it is excreted into the maternal amniotic fluid. It can also leak into the amniotic fluid from open neural tube defects in which the fetal blood stream is in direct contact with the amniotic fluid.<br />Concentration of more than 1000 ng/mL is indicative for NTD (normal:500 ng/mL)<br />More than 75% accurate.<br />Determining precise gestational age is essential because fetal AFP levels are age specific and can peak in a normal fetus at 12-15 weeks' gestation.<br />Measuring AFP in amniotic fluid (amniocentesis)<br />A diagnostic test.<br />More accurate especially at 15-20 weeks of gestation.<br />Detects approximately 98% of all neural tube defects.<br />Ultrasonography<br />A diagnostic test.<br />98% accurate.<br />After birth:<br />Physical exam<br />Spine X-ray<br />CT or MRI<br />Treatment<br />In utero: Surgery <br />Covering the neural placode with skin to decrease the damage inflicted to the exposed neural structures by amniotic fluid. <br />Closure of neural placode to decrease loss of CSF.<br />After birth:<br />Depends on the type of spina bifida.<br />Spina bifida occulta usually requires no treatment as it causes no symptoms<br />Spina bifida manifests require surgery often within the first 24 to 48 hours: <br />To protect the exposed spinal cord. <br />Help preserve whatever nerve function the baby has.<br />Help prevent infection of the exposed nerves and other tissues.<br />Prognosis<br />Depends on the nature of the defect and associated malformation<br />Infections<br />Associated motor and sensory problems, particularly lower limb<br />Associated learning disability, developmental delay and hearing impairment<br />Bladder and bowel dysfunction<br />Prevention<br />Periconceptional folic acid supplementation can prevent most neural tube defects if widely used. Supplementation must begin before conception for it to be effective. <br />To prevent first occurrence, women who are planning to become pregnant should take 400mcg folic acid daily before conception and during first 12 weeks of pregnancy. To prevent recurrence, 5mg/day folic acid should be taken.<br />Food fortification with the addition of folate to grain products is considered the most effective method of ensuring adequate intake of folic acid in pregnant women. <br />