Trends in neural tube defects in Western Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To report on trends in neural tube defects in Western Australia, in relation to folate promotion, periconceptional use of folic acid supplements and food fortification with folate.


METHODS
Data on neural tube defects from the Western Australian Birth Defects Registry.


RESULTS
A 30% fall in neural tube defects was documented from 1996 to 2000.


CONCLUSIONS
The sustained fall in neural tube defects is thought to be due to increased periconceptional folate intake in response to health promotion campaigns and fortification of selected foods. There is room for further improvement.
Bower
Carol
C
Birth Defects Registry of Western Australia, Centre for Women's Health and Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia. carolb@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Ryan
Aandra
A
Rudy
Edwina
E
Miller
Margaret
M
D000757:Anencephaly / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology
D005492:Folic Acid