Common congenital anomalies: Environmental causes and prevention with folic acid containing multivitamins

2016 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swapnalee Sarmah ◽  
Pooja Muralidharan ◽  
James A. Marrs
Author(s):  
Anne Johncy ◽  
G. Rohini ◽  
Lekha Shri

The NT scan (11 to 13 weeks+6 days) is used as dating scan and genetic scan. Now it is emerging as a basic checklist for examination of the whole fetal anatomy and also to identify congenital anomalies in early trimester. Arnold-Chiari malformation type II is the most common which is characterized by displacement of cerebellar tonsils, parts of the cerebellum- fourth ventricle, pons and medulla oblongata through the foramen magnum into the spinal canal. This is usually associated with hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele. This can be prevented by preconceptional folic acid supplementation. Second trimester MTP complications can be prevented if we diagnose congenital anomalies in first trimester itself.


1998 ◽  
Vol 157 (6) ◽  
pp. 445-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hall ◽  
F. Solehdin

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
MESELECH AMBAW DESSIE ◽  
Ayanaw Worku Berihun

Abstract Abstract Background: Neural tube defects are congenital anomalies of the brain, spinal cord, and their surrounding structures. Folic acid intake before and during the early weeks of pregnancy could reduce neural tube and other birth defects. Folic acid usage in the protective period of pregnancy against the neural tube defects is related to high level of awareness. This study aimed at evaluating the level of folic acid awareness for the prevention of neural tube defects and associated factors among pregnant women in Adama, South East Ethiopia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. 398 consented pregnant women attending antenatal care in Adama were the participants of the study. The women were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was concerned with participants’ demographic information, and their awareness about folic acid, roles of folic acid, and the recommended time of intake. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statical software. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. 95% confidence interval and p-value were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Of the interviewed women, 20.9% reported having heard or read something about folic acid supplements. But only 1.01% and 6.03% were aware of the recommended time of intake and the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies respectively. The healthcare providers were the primary source of information about folic acid, which account 78.3%. Folic acid awareness was associated with age, educational status, household monthly income, week of pregnancy at the first antenatal visit, any complication during current pregnancy, and use of folic acid during current pregnancy. Conclusions: Most of the pregnant women were not aware of folic acid, its importance and the recommended time of intake for preventing neural tube defects. Further effort is required from policymakers, healthcare providers, the media, and community to increase women's awareness about folic acid. Keywords: Folic acid, Awareness, Neural tube defects


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (04) ◽  
pp. 4770-4777
Author(s):  
Fatma Yousuf M. Ziuo ◽  
Aisha Alfituri ◽  
Samia Elzwei ◽  
Abdel Hamid M Senussi

The aim of the study to assess the effect of iron and folic acid intake during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal health status at delivery at El-jomhoria hospital  in Benghazi 2013.   Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of delivered mothers at Al-jomhuria hospital in Benghazi during 2013.The sample size was 203 delivered mothers. The Results: The study revealed that 90.6% of pregnant women received folic acid and 89.7% iron.  The study reported a significant effect of iron intake on maternal health status at delivery (odds ratio= 5.9, CI (1.3-26.7). Also, the study reported a significant relation between the incidence and type of congenital anomalies and folic acid intake during pregnancy (X22=9.8 & P=0.007), while reported no significant relation with iron intake. Conclusion: iron and folic acid supplementation can reduce maternal and child complications at delivery and neonatal period. The study recommends pre-pregnancy folic acid intake and iron and folic acid supplementations for every pregnant woman to prevent congenital anomalies and maternal and child complications during delivery.  


2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Brian Lowry ◽  
Barbara Sibbald ◽  
Tanya Bedard

Objective To determine the prevalence and trends of orofacial clefts in Alberta (Canada) over a 33-year period (1980 through 2011) and to determine whether the trends differ for subcategories of orofacial clefts for the period from 1997 through 2011. Design A prevalence study based on the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, which has multiple sources of ascertainment, capability of verification, and an upper age limit of 1 year. Inclusion All live born and stillborn babies and fetal deaths less than 20 weeks' gestation (including terminations of pregnancy) born in Alberta of mothers who reside in Alberta. Results and Conclusions Rates for cleft lip with or without cleft palate and cleft palate only have been very stable over the 33-year period (1980 through 2011). These rates include all clefts (isolated, syndromes, recognizable conditions, chromosomal and multiple congenital anomalies). Ascertainment of fetal deaths less than 20 weeks' gestation began in 1997. There are trends for the 1997 through 2011 cohort with a marginally significant increase for cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the isolated category and a significant decrease for cleft palate, mainly in the associated groups. The impact of folic acid fortification and/or multivitamins/folic acid supplementation reports in the literature have shown no consensus with respect to a change in the prevalence of orofacial clefts. It is unclear whether folic acid fortification has had any impact in Alberta.


2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Godwin ◽  
Barbara Sibbald ◽  
Tanya Bedard ◽  
Boris Kuzeljevic ◽  
R. Brian Lowry ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 221 (05) ◽  
pp. 243-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Wiedemann ◽  
Tanja Stüber ◽  
Monika Rehn ◽  
Eric Frieauff

Abstract Introduction Fetal exposition to valproate can lead to a cluster of facial dysmorphism, congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental retardation. Case Report In this report we describe 2 cases of fetal valproate syndrome. In the first case, the gravida had a valproate medication before and during pregnancy with additional folic acid. She delivered a male premature infant at 25+2 weeks of gestation due to preterm labor and rupture of the membranes. Physical examination showed even in the premature infant typical signs of fetal valproate syndrome with trigonocephaly, epicanthal folds, broad root of the nose, low-set ears, thin upper lip and anteverted nares. In the second case, the gravida was under antiepileptic therapy with valproate and lamotrigine before and during pregnancy without any prophylaxis with folic acid. Sonographic examination during pregnancy diagnosed a spina bifida, Chiari II malformation and clubfeet. A female newborn was delivered at 39+4 weeks of gestation. Besides the prenatally detected anomalies, facial dysmorphism including microcephaly, low-set ears, thin upper lip and shallow philtrum were seen after birth. Conclusion Valproate, a widely used anticonvulsant medication, is known for its teratogenic effects. The risk of congenital anomalies is even higher in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. Therefore, the avoidance of valproate or at least supplementation with a high dose prophylactic folic acid before and during pregnancy is highly recommended for women with epilepsy.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e0131130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Ban ◽  
Kate M. Fleming ◽  
Pat Doyle ◽  
Liam Smeeth ◽  
Richard B. Hubbard ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudi Jemal ◽  
Engidaw Fentahun ◽  
Mohammed Oumer ◽  
Abebe Muche

Abstract Background: Congenital anomaly is a partial or complete structural and/or functional defect during intrauterine life. Globally, major congenital anomalies account for 6% of all newborns among which about 94% of cases occurred in developing countries. In spite of its public health importance, very limited studies are reported in Ethiopia, and hardly any study in Arsi Zone.Objectives: To determine the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia.Methods: A multi-center institutional-based case-control study was conducted in 418 (105 cases and 313 controls) of newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals. Descriptive analysis, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented.Results: In this study, women who have been drinking alcohol during pregnancy were 3.48 times more prone to have newborns with congenital anomalies than their counterparts (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.74). The likelihood of having a newborn with congenital anomalies was six and four times higher for women who had a maternal illness (AOR=6.10; 95%CI: 2.39, 15.57) and chewing khat during pregnancy (AOR=4; 95%CI: 1.49, 10.65), respectively. Moreover, the lack of folic acid supplementation and pesticides during pregnancy were 3.25 and 4.76 times more likely to experience a newborn with congenital anomalies, respectively. Conclusion: Alcohol drinking, maternal illness, khat chewing, and chemical exposure during pregnancy had a significant association with the occurrence of congenital anomalies. While, taking folic acid supplements had a protective effect. Health experts and the community should take these factors into consideration and act accordingly.


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