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PloS One 2015In the last two decades, India has witnessed a substantial decrease in infant mortality attributed to infectious disease and malnutrition. However, the mortality... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In the last two decades, India has witnessed a substantial decrease in infant mortality attributed to infectious disease and malnutrition. However, the mortality attributed to birth defects remains constant. Studies on the prevalence of birth defects such as neural tube defects and orofacial clefts in India have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of observational studies to document the birth prevalence of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search for observational studies was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases using key MeSH terms (neural tube defects OR cleft lip OR cleft palate AND Prevalence AND India). Two reviewers independently reviewed the retrieved studies, and studies satisfying the eligibility were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using selected criteria from STROBE statement.
RESULTS
The overall pooled birth prevalence (random effect) of neural tube defects in India is 4.5 per 1000 total births (95% CI 4.2 to 4.9). The overall pooled birth prevalence (random effect) of orofacial clefts is 1.3 per 1000 total births (95% CI 1.1 to 1.5). Subgroup analyses were performed by region, time period, consanguinity, and gender of newborn.
CONCLUSION
The overall prevalence of neural tube defects from India is high compared to other regions of the world, while that of orofacial clefts is similar to other countries. The majority of studies included in the review were hospital based. The quality of these studies ranged from low to moderate. Further well-designed, high quality community-based observational studies are needed to accurately estimate the burden of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts in India.
Topics: Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Humans; India; Neural Tube Defects; Parturition; Prevalence
PubMed: 25768737
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118961 -
Birth Defects Research Jan 2018Several studies have assessed potential associations between use of weight loss products in the periconceptional period and neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Several studies have assessed potential associations between use of weight loss products in the periconceptional period and neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the individual studies are inconclusive and there has not been a systematic review of this literature.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search, using Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed, to identify studies that evaluated the association between products used for weight loss and the risk of NTDs. Because many studies of birth defects only evaluate a composite birth defect outcome, we evaluated studies that defined the outcome as "any major birth defect" or as NTDs. We abstracted data on study design, exposure definition, outcome definition, covariates and effect size estimates from each article that met our inclusion criteria. For studies that evaluated a composite birth defect outcome, we also abstracted the number of NTD cases included in the composite outcome. We used a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of each article.
RESULTS
We screened 865 citations and identified nine articles that met our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies reported positive associations between maternal use of weight loss products and birth defects (overall and NTDs). However, there were few significant associations and there was considerable heterogeneity in the specific exposures assessed across the nine studies.
CONCLUSION
Our systematic review of weight loss products and NTDs indicates that the literature on this topic is sparse. Because several studies reported modest, positive associations between risk and use of weight loss products, additional studies are warranted. Birth Defects Research 110:48-55, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Anti-Obesity Agents; Female; Humans; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Risk Factors; Weight Loss
PubMed: 29024488
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1116 -
Jornal de Pediatria 2023To map available scientific evidence about the pediatric population with spina bifida submitted to transanal irrigation to manage signs and symptoms of neurogenic bowel. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To map available scientific evidence about the pediatric population with spina bifida submitted to transanal irrigation to manage signs and symptoms of neurogenic bowel.
SOURCE OF DATA
This research was developed according to recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. Searches were carried out in the databases: CINAHL, Medline/Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, Proquest, and the CAPES catalog of theses and dissertations. Quantitative and qualitative studies on the topic were included, as long as they dealt with this population. There was no predetermined time frame.
SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS
The authors found 1.020 studies, selected 130 for close reading, and included 23 in the review, all of which had been published from 1989 to 2021. The authors mapped the characteristics of the studies, including their definitions of concepts and use of scales, criteria for the indication of transanal irrigation, training to carry out the procedure, devices and solutions used, number and frequency of transanal irrigations, health care actions, time spent, associated complications, complementary exams, adherence rate, follow-up, and outcomes, focusing on the benefits for bowel management.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the variability of evaluation parameters and term definitions, evidence suggests that transanal irrigation is a safe and effective method to manage fecal incontinence. Studies in the field are likely to grow, using standardized scales and longitudinal follow-ups. The authors suggest further research on transanal irrigation in the pediatric population with spina bifida in the Latin American context.
Topics: Humans; Child; Neurogenic Bowel; Constipation; Therapeutic Irrigation; Fecal Incontinence; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 36852756
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.02.001 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jun 2015The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T polymorphism is a risk factor for neural tube defects. The T allele produces an enzyme with reduced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Assessing the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T polymorphism and blood folate concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials and observational studies.
BACKGROUND
The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T polymorphism is a risk factor for neural tube defects. The T allele produces an enzyme with reduced folate-processing capacity, which has been associated with lower blood folate concentrations.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the association between MTHFR C677T genotypes and blood folate concentrations among healthy women aged 12-49 y.
DESIGN
We conducted a systematic review of the literature published from January 1992 to March 2014 to identify trials and observational studies that reported serum, plasma, or red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations and MTHFR C677T genotype. We conducted a meta-analysis for estimates of percentage differences in blood folate concentrations between genotypes.
RESULTS
Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the 6 studies that used the microbiologic assay (MA) to measure serum or plasma (S/P) and RBC folate concentrations, the percentage difference between genotypes showed a clear pattern of CC > CT > TT. The percentage difference was greatest for CC > TT [S/P: 13%; 95% credible interval (CrI): 7%, 18%; RBC: 16%; 95% CrI: 12%, 20%] followed by CC > CT (S/P: 7%; 95% CrI: 1%, 12%; RBC: 8%; 95% CrI: 4%, 12%) and CT > TT (S/P: 6%; 95% CrI: 1%, 11%; RBC: 9%; 95% CrI: 5%, 13%). S/P folate concentrations measured by using protein-binding assays (PBAs) also showed this pattern but to a greater extent (e.g., CC > TT: 20%; 95% CrI: 17%, 22%). In contrast, RBC folate concentrations measured by using PBAs did not show the same pattern and are presented in the Supplemental Material only.
CONCLUSIONS
Meta-analysis results (limited to the MA, the recommended population assessment method) indicated a consistent percentage difference in S/P and RBC folate concentrations across MTHFR C677T genotypes. Lower blood folate concentrations associated with this polymorphism could have implications for a population-level risk of neural tube defects.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alleles; Child; Databases, Factual; Female; Folic Acid; Genotype; Humans; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Middle Aged; Neural Tube Defects; Observational Studies as Topic; Polymorphism, Genetic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Young Adult
PubMed: 25788000
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.099994 -
The Journal of Urology Jun 2022We systematically reviewed the variability in definitions of kidney abnormality (KA) outcomes in individuals with spina bifida (SB). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
We systematically reviewed the variability in definitions of kidney abnormality (KA) outcomes in individuals with spina bifida (SB).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic scoping review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase™, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo®, Web of Science™ and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles from time of database inception to September 2020. No language or patient age restrictions were applied. Primary research articles involving individuals with SB where KA was assessed as an outcome were included. Means of assessing KA and defining KA severity were abstracted.
RESULTS
Of 2,034 articles found, 274 were included in the review. Most articles were published after 1990 (63.5%) and included pediatric-only populations (0-18 years; 60.5%). KA outcomes were identified by imaging-based anatomical outcomes (84.7%), serum-based outcomes (44.9%), imaging-based functional outcomes (5.5%), urine-based outcomes (3.3%) and diagnoses of end-stage kidney disease (2.6%) or chronic kidney disease otherwise unspecified (1.8%). Hydronephrosis was the most commonly used specific outcome (64.6%, 177/274) with 19.8% (35/177) of articles defining hydronephrosis severity. Hydronephrosis was used more frequently in articles with pediatric-only populations. Creatinine and cystatin-C were used in 82.1% (101/123) and 17.9% (22/123) of articles reporting serum-based outcomes, respectively, with 32.7% and 50.0% of articles defining estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) severity. Serum-based outcomes were more common in articles including adults >18 years. Measured GFR was assessed in 9.9% (27/274) of articles, with 44.4% (12/27) of articles defining GFR severity.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant variability exists in how authors define KA with few specifically defining KA severity. Consensus and consistency in defining KA outcomes are needed.
Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Hydronephrosis; Kidney; Male; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 35050700
DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002432 -
World Neurosurgery Aug 2021This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of posterior fossa decompression (PFD), posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD), and posterior fossa... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Comparative Assessment of Three Posterior Fossa Decompression Techniques and Evaluation of the Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of Syrinx Shunting and Filum Terminale Sectioning in Chiari Malformation Type I. A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of posterior fossa decompression (PFD), posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD), and posterior fossa decompression with resection of tonsils (PFDRT) in Chiari malformation type I (CMI). Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the evidence supporting the efficacy of filum terminale sectioning (FTS), syringosubarachnoid shunting (SSS), and syringoperitoneal shunting (SPS) in CMI.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were screened for English-language studies published from inception until August 11, 2020. A total of 3593 studies were identified through the searching process. Fifteen cohort studies were included in the systematic review and network meta-analysis.
RESULTS
No studies concerning FTS, SSS, and SPS were found eligible. Therefore, only PFD, PFDD, and PFDRT were compared. PFDD showed significantly higher incidence of complications (relative risk [RR], 3.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.54-5.64) cerebrospinal fluid leak (RR, 9.74; 95% CI, 2.33-40.78) and neurologic deficit (RR, 8.76; 95% CI, 2.08-36.90) than did PFD. Both PFDD and PFDRT achieved higher syringomyelia improvement (RR, 1.23, 95% CI, 1.09-1.39 and RR, 1.32, 95% CI, 1.15-1.51, respectively) and greater clinical improvement (RR, 1.24, 95% CI, 1.10-1.39 and RR, 1.24, 95% CI, 1.08-1.44, respectively) than did PFD. No differences were found between PFDD and PFDRT.
CONCLUSIONS
PFDD and PFDRT are superior to PFD, especially in patients with syringomyelia-Chiari complex, because of greater syringomyelia reduction and better clinical improvement. However, PFDD and PFDRT can be considered equally efficient. There is no evidence pleading in favor of SFT, SSS, and SPS over any PFD technique.
Topics: Arnold-Chiari Malformation; Cauda Equina; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Decompression, Surgical; Humans; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 34098134
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.05.124 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023Multiple factors associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) risk have been identified, yet there is little evidence on the possible effects of maternal stressful life... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Multiple factors associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) risk have been identified, yet there is little evidence on the possible effects of maternal stressful life events. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between stressful life events during the periconceptional period and risk of NTDs in offspring.
METHODS
Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library up to July 2023. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of NTDs risk with maternal stressful life events were estimated using a random effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression asymmetry test and Begg's rank correlation test with Begg's funnel plot.
RESULTS
Analysis results showed that mothers who experienced stressful life events during the periconceptional period were at greater risk of having NTDs offspring (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08-1.73) than those who did not. In subgroup analysis, the pooled OR was 1.37 (1.13-1.67) and 1.73 (0.36-8.32) for with and without adjusting for folic acid supplementation in each included study, while was 1.37 (1.13-1.67) and 1.64 (0.39-6.88) for exposure time of three months preconception until three months post conception and one year preconception until three months post conception, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that maternal stressful life events during the periconceptional period are significantly associated with higher NTDs risk in offspring. Tailored approaches for evaluating the risk and policy of NTDs among women of childbearing age should emphasize individual stressful experiences before and during early pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Neural Tube Defects; Mothers; Fertilization; Odds Ratio; Folic Acid
PubMed: 37946331
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2279021 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Aug 2016To assess and compare the rate of procedure-related complications after intrauterine treatment of spina bifida by endoscopic surgery and by open fetal surgery. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Procedure-related complications of open vs endoscopic fetal surgery for treatment of spina bifida in an era of intrauterine myelomeningocele repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and compare the rate of procedure-related complications after intrauterine treatment of spina bifida by endoscopic surgery and by open fetal surgery.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches in PubMed and SCOPUS databases were performed on 20 September 2015 to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies on treatment of human spina bifida by endoscopic or open fetal surgery techniques. Only studies with ≥ 10 cases that were published in or after 2000 were included in the meta-analysis in order to reduce the risk of bias. Primary outcomes (complete dehiscence, focal dehiscence and/or markedly thin hysterotomy scar; preterm delivery < 34 weeks; mean gestational age at delivery) and secondary outcomes (oligohydramnios, prelabor rupture of membranes, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis and perinatal death) were assessed for both techniques. Precision of the estimated proportions was evaluated with 95% CIs. Inconsistency was assessed using the I(2) statistic.
RESULTS
The search identified 1080 records that were examined based on title and abstract, of which 28 full-text articles were examined completely for eligibility. Nine records were excluded because cases were also described in other studies, leaving 19 records for analysis. When comparing endoscopic vs open fetal surgery, the rate of complete dehiscence, focal dehiscence and/or markedly thin hysterotomy scar was, respectively, 1% (95% CI, 0-4%) vs 26% (95% CI, 12-42%); preterm delivery < 34 weeks was 80% (95% CI, 41-100%) vs 45% (95% CI, 38-53%); oligohydramnios was 39% (95% CI, 9-75%) vs 14% (95% CI, 7-24%); prelabor rupture of membranes was 67% (95% CI, 12-100%) vs 38% (95% CI, 26-50%); and perinatal death was 14% (95% CI, 1-38%) vs 5% (95% CI, 3-8%).
CONCLUSION
Open fetal surgery for spina bifida seems to show lower rates of procedure-related complications than does endoscopic surgery, but the rate of hysterotomy scar complications is high after open surgery. Because of the low quality of evidence, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Female; Fetoscopy; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Meningomyelocele; Observational Studies as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spinal Dysraphism; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26612040
DOI: 10.1002/uog.15830 -
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy 2016To compare outcomes of fetoscopic spina bifida aperta repair (FSBAR) with the results of the open approach (OSBAR) as in the Management Of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS). (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare outcomes of fetoscopic spina bifida aperta repair (FSBAR) with the results of the open approach (OSBAR) as in the Management Of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS).
METHODS
This was a systematic comparison of reports on FSBAR with data from the MOMS (n = 78). Inclusion criteria were studies of spina bifida aperta patients who underwent FSBAR and were followed for ≥12 months. Primary outcome was perinatal mortality. Secondary outcomes included operative, maternal, fetal, neonatal and infant outcomes.
RESULTS
Out of 16 reports, we included 5 from 2 centers. Due to bias and heterogeneity, analysis was restricted to two overlapping case series (n = 51 and 71). In those, FSBAR was technically different from OSBAR, had comparable perinatal mortality (7.8 vs. 2.6%, p = 0.212) and shunt rate at 12 months (45 vs. 40%, p = 0.619), longer operation time (223 vs. 105 min, p < 0.001), higher preterm prelabor membrane rupture rate (84 vs. 46%, p < 0.001), earlier gestational age at birth (32.9 vs. 34.1 weeks, p = 0.03), higher postnatal reoperation rate (28 vs. 2.56%, p < 0.001) and absence of uterine thinning or dehiscence (0 vs. 36%, p < 0.001). Functional outcomes were not available.
CONCLUSION
FSBAR utilizes a different neurosurgical technique, takes longer to complete, induces more prematurity, requires additional postnatal procedures, yet has a comparable shunt rate and is not associated with uterine thinning or dehiscence. Long-term functional data are awaited.
Topics: Adult; Female; Fetoscopy; Fetus; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Reoperation; Risk Assessment; Spinal Dysraphism; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26901156
DOI: 10.1159/000443498 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Oct 2020This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the overall incidence of intraspinal abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) and potential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the overall incidence of intraspinal abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) and potential influencing factors.
METHODS
We searched three large electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) for potentially relevant studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Data on the number of CS patients, number of CS patients with intraspinal abnormalities, sex of the patients, and CS types were extracted from the included studies. R software was used to pool and analyze all the extracted data.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 10 articles, and 671 of 1863 CS patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were identified to have intraspinal abnormalities. The overall incidence of intraspinal abnormalities in the patients with CS was 37% (95% CI, 29-45%). Diastematomyelia was the most common intraspinal abnormality and was detected in 45.60% of the patients with intraspinal abnormalities (306/671). The remaining intraspinal abnormalities included syringomyelia (273/671, 40.69%), tethered cord (190/671, 28.32%), low conus (58/671, 8.64%), intraspinal mass (39/671, 5.81%), Chiari malformation (32/671, 4.77%), fatty filum (27/671, 4.02%), spina bifida (occulta excluded) (17/671, 2.53%), tumor (17/671, 2.53%), cyst (12/671, 1.79%), syringomyelus (4/671, 0.60%), dural ectasia (1/671, 0.15%), and undiagnosed cord MRI hyperintensity (1/671, 0.15%). The patient's sex and CS type were not factors that affected the incidence of intraspinal abnormalities in CS patients (all P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed that the overall incidence of intraspinal abnormalities detected by MRI in CS patients was 37%. Diastematomyelia was the most common intraspinal abnormality. The patient's sex and CS type were not factors that affected the incidence of intraspinal abnormalities in CS patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Incidence; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neural Tube Defects; Scoliosis; Spine; Syringomyelia
PubMed: 33087139
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-02015-8