title: Trends in neural tube defects in Western Australia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bower
authors.forename: Aandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Edwina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rudy
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid