Antenatal screening for neural tube defects in South African blacks.

The place of antenatal screening for open neural tube defects is well established throughout the Western world. Alphafetoprotein assay, followed by amniocentesis in selected instances and the option of termination if proved necessary, is accepted as a means of attempting to minimize the many insoluble problems associated with the birth of children afflicted with spina bifida. Nowhere in South Africa is routine screening attempted in Black expectant mothers. The reasons for this are discussed and the feasibility of introducing a screening programme in the Durban area is evaluated.