Folic acid supplementation influences the distribution of neural tube defect subtypes: A registry-based study.

Authors :: Bergman JE
Otten E
Verheij JB
de Walle HE
Source :: Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) [Reprod Toxicol] 2016 Jan; Vol. 59, pp. 96-100. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Nov 25.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Periconceptional folic acid (FA) reduces neural tube defect (NTD) risk, but seems to have a varying effect per NTD subtype. We aimed to study the effect of FA supplementation on NTD subtype distribution using data from EUROCAT Northern Netherlands. We included all birth types with non-syndromal NTDs born in 1997-2012. By Fisher's exact test we analyzed possible differences in NTD subtype distribution between a correct FA supplementation group and incorrect FA supplementation group. We found proportionally fewer cervical/thoracic spina bifida cases and more lumbar/sacral spina bifida cases in the correct FA supplementation group, irrespective of the presence of the main NTD risk factors. The effect on NTD subtype distribution was only seen when FA supplementation was started before conception. We conclude that FA not only prevents the occurrence of a significant proportion of NTDs, but might also decrease the severity of NTDs, as long as supplementation is started before conception.<br /> (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Anencephaly diagnosis
Anencephaly epidemiology
Female
Humans
Male
Netherlands epidemiology
Pregnancy
Registries
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
Spinal Dysraphism diagnosis
Spinal Dysraphism epidemiology
Treatment Outcome
Anencephaly prevention & control
Dietary Supplements
Folic Acid administration & dosage
Preconception Care methods
Spinal Dysraphism prevention & control

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