Neural Tube Defects from Antenatal Diagnosis to Discharge - a Tertiary Academic Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND

Bleeding Worldwide, approximately 300,000 infants are born annually with neural tube defects (NTDs), which carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the experience with NTD patients born at a tertiary academic center.

METHODS

A retrospective record review of all neonates with NTD admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit over six years.

RESULTS

Out of the 39 patients identified, 32 (82.1%) were diagnosed antenatally. Most NTD cases were of the myelomeningocele 26 (66.7%) type. The most common site of the myelomeningocele was lumbar, and the thoracolumbar site had the worst prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Early detection of the disease allows better planning of delivery and treatment decisions. Nevertheless, understanding the magnitude of the problem necessitates adopting public health prevention strategies for better outcomes.