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BMJ Paediatrics Open Dec 2022
Topics: Humans; Folic Acid; Anencephaly; Spinal Dysraphism; Food, Fortified
PubMed: 36645786
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001745 -
Pediatric Health, Medicine and... 2021Anencephaly is a form of neural tube defect, which develops when the cranial neuropore is unable to close. It is one of the fatal anomalies of the neural tube. Although...
INTRODUCTION
Anencephaly is a form of neural tube defect, which develops when the cranial neuropore is unable to close. It is one of the fatal anomalies of the neural tube. Although most of the causes of anencephaly are unknown, multiple risk factors are associated with this defect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors of anencephaly in Dessie town, in the north eastern region of Ethiopia.
METHODS
An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted. Sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women were collected with a structured questionnaire and clinical data were recorded during an ultrasound examination. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was applied to detect the associations between risk factors and the occurrence of anencephaly.
RESULTS
The incidence of anencephaly was 3.3/1000 pregnancies. The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that maternal age between 26 and 30 years and khat chewing during pregnancy were significantly associated with anencephaly (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.97, =0.046; and OR 3.571, 95% CI 1.06-12.06, =0.04, respectively). Exposure to typhus and typhoid and the use of antihypertensive drugs during early pregnancy were also significantly correlated as anencephaly risk factors. Furthermore, spina bifida simultaneously occurred with anencephaly significantly (<0.05).
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that exposure to risk factors such as khat chewing during pregnancy may predispose to the development of anencephaly.
PubMed: 34744469
DOI: 10.2147/PHMT.S332561 -
American Journal of Public Health Mar 2021
Topics: Anencephaly; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Food, Fortified; Humans; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Recommended Dietary Allowances
PubMed: 33566656
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2020.306067 -
British Medical Journal (Clinical... May 1983
Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Anencephaly; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Spina Bifida Occulta; United Kingdom; United States; Valproic Acid; Vitamins
PubMed: 6405931
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.286.6379.1679 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023
Topics: Humans; Anencephaly; Microcephaly
PubMed: 37070027
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.41.38668 -
Drug Testing and Analysis Jan 2013Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug by pregnant women in the world. In utero exposure to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), a major psychoactive... (Review)
Review
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug by pregnant women in the world. In utero exposure to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), a major psychoactive component of marijuana, is associated with an increased risk for anencephaly and neurobehavioural deficiencies in the offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and memory impairment. Recent studies demonstrate that the developing central nervous system (CNS) is susceptible to the effects of Δ⁹-THC and other cannabimimetics, including the psychoactive ingredients of the branded product 'Spice' branded products. These exocannabinoids interfere with the function of an endocannabinoid (eCB) system, present in the developing CNS from E12.5 (week 5 of gestation in humans), and required for proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons. Until recently, it was not known whether the eCB system is also present in the developing CNS during the initial stages of its ontogeny, i.e. from E7.0 onwards (week 2 of gestation in humans), and if so, whether this system is also susceptible to the action of exocannabinoids. Here, we review current data, in which the presence of an eCB system during the initial stage of development of the CNS is demonstrated. Furthermore, we focus on recent advances on the effect of canabimimetics on early gestation. The relevance of these findings and potential adverse developmental consequences of in utero exposure to 'high potency' marijuana, Spice branded products and/or cannabinoid research chemicals during this period is discussed. Finally, we address the implication of these findings in terms of the potential dangers of synthetic cannabinoid use during pregnancy, and the ongoing debate over legalization of marijuana.
Topics: Anencephaly; Animals; Cannabinoids; Central Nervous System; Dronabinol; Drug and Narcotic Control; Female; Humans; Marijuana Abuse; Maternal Exposure; Mental Disorders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
PubMed: 22887867
DOI: 10.1002/dta.1390 -
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly... May 2004Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the spine (e.g., spina bifida) and the brain (e.g., anencephaly) that occur during early pregnancy, often before...
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the spine (e.g., spina bifida) and the brain (e.g., anencephaly) that occur during early pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant; 50%-70% of these defects can be prevented if a woman consumes sufficient folic acid daily before conception and throughout the first trimester of her pregnancy. In 1992, to reduce the number of cases of spina bifida and other NTDs, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) recommended that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 microg of folic acid daily. Three approaches to increase folic acid consumption were cited: 1) improve dietary habits, 2) fortify foods with folic acid, and 3) use dietary supplements containing folic acid. Mandatory fortification of cereal grain products went into effect in January 1998; during October 1998-December 1999, the reported prevalence of spina bifida declined 31%, and the prevalence of anencephaly declined 16%. Other studies have indicated similar trends. To update the estimated numbers of NTD-affected pregnancies and births, CDC recently analyzed data from 23 population-based surveillance systems that include prenatal ascertainment of these birth defects. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicate that the estimated number of NTD-affected pregnancies in the United States declined from 4,000 in 1995-1996 to 3,000 in 1999-2000. This decline in NTD-affected pregnancies highlights the partial success of the U.S. folic acid fortification program as a public health strategy. To reduce further the number of NTD-affected pregnancies, all women capable of becoming pregnant should follow the USPHS recommendation and consume 400 microg of folic acid every day.
Topics: Anencephaly; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Food, Fortified; Humans; Nutritional Requirements; Preconception Care; Prenatal Care; Spinal Dysraphism; United States
PubMed: 15129193
DOI: No ID Found -
Environmental Health Perspectives Sep 1995The neural tube defects anencephaly and spina bifida are important causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that many of these defects can be... (Review)
Review
The neural tube defects anencephaly and spina bifida are important causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that many of these defects can be prevented by the periconceptional use of folic acid. At the same time, we do not know what causes most cases of neural tube defects and there is evidence to suggest that they are etiologically heterogeneous. Additional research needs to be directed toward the role of occupational and environmental exposures in the etiology of these defects. Importantly, studies need to examine embryologically and anatomically specific types of defects and develop accurate information on biologically relevant exposures. Exposures toward which attention needs to be directed include organic solvents; agricultural chemicals, including pesticides; water nitrates; heavy metals such as mercury; ionizing radiation; and water disinfection by products. We also recommend that additional attention be paid to mechanisms of neural tube closure and to the potential role of genetic heterogeneity in the absorption and metabolism of xenobiotics and in their effects on the neural tube.
Topics: Anencephaly; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neural Tube Defects; Occupational Exposure; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 8549468
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.95103s6165 -
The Cornell Veterinarian Jan 1978Anencephaly occurred in four calves and was characterized by cranioschisis, absence of the diencephalon with the cerebral hemispheres and rostral midbrain, various forms...
Anencephaly occurred in four calves and was characterized by cranioschisis, absence of the diencephalon with the cerebral hemispheres and rostral midbrain, various forms of eye defects, and relatively normal development of caudal brain stem, cerebellum and spinal cord. Amorphous dysplastic vestiges of the cerebral tissue protruded into the cranial defects. Morphologic features varied but were essentially similar. The cerebellum was absent in one case. Anencephaly in calves at least those we observed and defined in this study is localized defect confined to the brain, eye and skull. No spinal defect was observed in the calves.
Topics: Anencephaly; Animals; Brain; Cattle; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 618715
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports Oct 2021Congenital malformations are defects of the morphogenesis of organs or body during the pregnancy period and are identifiable at pre- or postnatal. They are identified as...
Congenital malformations are defects of the morphogenesis of organs or body during the pregnancy period and are identifiable at pre- or postnatal. They are identified as the major cause of child mortality worldwide. There is a need to understand the prevalence of congenital malformations in Tigray and Ethiopia in general as surveillance data are lacking. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the burden of major congenital malformations in the Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to identify neonates with major congenital anomalies in the labor ward admitted at six major public hospitals of Tigray region, Ethiopia between January 2018 and 2019. All newborns/neonates delivered in all study hospitals during the study period were considered as the study population. The prevalence of major congenital anomalies and the distribution of each type of major congenital anomalies within total birth were calculated. Data on maternal, and newborn demographic characteristics was collected. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 12,225 births and terminations were recorded in the six hospitals during the study period. Of total 12,225 births and terminations examined, 383 births had major congenital malformations and the overall prevalence of congenital malformations was 3.13% of the total births examined. Congenital anomalies (CAs) of the central nervous system specifically neural tube defects (NTDs) were the commonest anomalies in this study, found in 68.7% (263NTDs/383 CAs) of the neonates with CAs. The overall prevalence of NTDs was 2.15% (263/12,225 births) of the total births examined. Maternal factors such as women 20 years of age or younger (p < 0.0001) and women older than 35 years of age (p < 0.0001), abortion history (p < 0.0001), gravidity above 4 (p = 0.005), were more likely associated with an increased risk of babies with congenital anomalies. Fetal factors including gestational ages below 28 weeks (p < 0.0001) and above 40 weeks (p < 0.0001) were strongly associated with an increased risk of babies with congenital anomalies. However, these associated factors were not resulted from multivariable logistic regression analysis. Thus, the result might be affected by possible confounding factors. This study has shown a high prevalence of major congenital anomalies in the study community. Of the total congenital anomalies observed, most of neonates are affected with neural tube defects, a birth defect with well-established evidence having folic acid deficiency or insufficiency is the predominant cause of spina bifida and anencephaly. This just screams urgency to implement effective/mandatory/ programs to get all women of reproductive age an adequate folic acid to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly.
Topics: Adult; Anencephaly; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pregnancy; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 34702882
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00240-7