Clinico-epidemiology of neural tube defects and associated anomalies in pediatric patients in north west Rajasthan

Type of artical: Original Research Article

Section: clinico epidemiology incidence management Neural tube defects

Background & objectives: Having adequate surveillance data is essential for the purposes of prevention and evaluation, given the substantial influence of birth defects on the death rate of children below the age of 5. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and epidemiological features of neural tube abnormalities and associated anomalies in pediatric patients residing in the north-western region of Rajasthan.

Methods: Each attendee of the patients provided a well-informed written consent. Following that, a clinical evaluation was performed to assess the functioning of the sensory and motor systems, any anomalies related to the musculoskeletal system, as well as the functioning of the bladder and intestine, taking into account the presence of the spina bifida defect. The results were subsequently documented.

Results: 56% of the persons were between the age range of 0 to 1 year, whereas 68% of them resided in metropolitan regions. Preterm children and multipara individuals had a greater frequency of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with rates of 56% and 58% respectively. Among the entire population, 70% were found to have myelomeningocele, 24% were found to have meningocele, and 84% had surgical intervention. The recorded survival rate stands at 76%.

Conclusions: Male individuals exhibited a higher prevalence of NTDs, while spina bifida demonstrated a higher incidence rate.