[Incidence of spina bifida occulta in relatives of children with myelodysplasia. Indications for high-risk screening].

Consanguineous relatives (parents, siblings) of patients with myelodysplasia show an increased incidence of spina bifida occulta compared to a normal population. According to this and considering the obvious familiarity of neural tube defects, in all cases of a spina bifida occulta known in relatives a high-risk-screening (AFP, B-scan ultrasound) should be performed during early pregnancy. Patients with a spina bifida occulta should be informed about their anomaly and in case of pregnancy instruct the obstetrician to provide a careful screening examination.