Spina bifida in Saudi Arabia: is consanguinity among the parents a risk factor?
BACKGROUND
Spina bifida is an important birth defect. Its incidence differs from one country to another due to different factors. The aims of this study were: (1) to estimate the incidence of spina bifida in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah and compare it with the Eastern part of the Kingdom, and (2) to find out if consanguinity is a risk factor.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted over the period from April 1996 to March 1997 in the city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Western Province, Saudi Arabia. New cases of spina bifida were studied and compared to a control group of 72 cases.


RESULTS
During the study period, 18 cases of spina bifida were detected. The incidence was 1.09 per 1,000 live births. The male to female ratio was 2:1; however, this was not statistically significant. Consanguinity of the parents was found in 89% of the spina bifida parents and only 67% of the controls (p < 0.0005).


CONCLUSIONS
(1) The incidence of spina bifida in the city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah was similar to that reported from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. (2) The consanguinity of the parents was a significant risk factor.
Murshid
W R
WR
Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. wmurshid@ksu.edu.sa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003241:Consanguinity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007178:Inbreeding; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*