The prevalence of neural tube defects among newborns delivered in Azadi Hospital in Dohuk city, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Abstract EN

Aim The study was performed to highlight the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) among newborns delivered in Azadi teaching hospital in Dohuk.

Methods Study lasted over one year period started from 1st of December 2004 to 30th of November 2005.

Fifty six newborns (alive and stillbirth), 40 females and 16 males, were found to have different types of NTDs.

Results The prevalence of NTDs was found to be 4.7 per 1000 live births, which was higher than similar rates estimated in other areas in the world.

The mothers of the affected newborns were not consuming folic acid before conception, which may, to some extent, explain the high rate in this study.

Conclusions Further similar studies, however, are required in North of Iraq to document the findings of this study.

All women should consume 0.4 mg folic acid daily during their reproductive years to protect against this defect.