Am J Perinatol 2012; 29(06): 473-476
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304830
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neural Tube Defects and Associated Low Birth Weight

Shayna M. Norman
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Anthony O. Odibo
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Ryan E. Longman
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Kimberly A. Roehl
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
George A. Macones
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Alison G. Cahill
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

26 September 2011

10 November 2011

Publication Date:
07 March 2012 (online)

Abstract

Objective To estimate the association between neural tube defects (NTDs) and low birth weight.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing ultrasound from 17 to 22 weeks from 1990 to 2008. Presence or absence of fetal NTD defined the two study groups. The primary outcomes were intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), birth weight <10th percentile, and severe IUGR <5th percentile. Subgroup analysis was performed to observe if the association with IUGR persisted.

Results Of 66,956 women, 170 were found to have fetal NTD. Only the rate of advanced maternal age differed between the study groups. Fetuses with an NTD were at significantly increased risk for IUGR <10th percentile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8 to 3.9) and <5th percentile (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.3). The association persisted in subgroup analyses.

Conclusion Fetuses with NTD are at increased risk for IUGR, suggesting that a policy of serial growth scans in cases with isolated NTD is justified.

 
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