Neural tube defects in Jordan: A hospital based study

Abstract

We aimed to determine the incidence, types of neural tube defects (NTDs), seasonal variation, complications, and follow up of a sample of children managed at Jordan University Hospital. This retrospective study covered a 10-year period (1993–2002) and included all patients with NTDs managed at Jordan University Hospital. The medical files were reviewed and data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science. One hundred and nineteen patients had NTDs, 31 cases (26%) were born at our hospital; with incidence estimated to be 1.1/1000 among 28,301 live births during that period. There was no seasonal variation with male to female ratio (1.2:1). The most common type of NTD was myelomeningocele, followed by anencephaly. Sixty patients out of 91 (66%) with myelomeningocele were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit, seven (12%) died while in the unit. Lower limb paralysis was reported in 77 patients (84%), neurogenic bladder in 48 (52.7%), club feet in nine cases (10%). Urine cultures were positive for bacterial growth in 42 patients (60%). Thirty six patients (42.8%) from those who had their follow up in our hospital were readmitted at least once; the most common cause of readmission was shunt infection. This study shows a high incidence of NTDs in Jordan and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary clinics to follow and support these children and their families.

Keywords

Anencephaly - myelomeningocele - neural tube defects - Jordan