title: Neural tube defects in the offspring of thalassemia carriers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) is negatively correlated with maternal folate levels in early pregnancy. Thalassemia carriers often have reduced red cell folate contents. The aim of this study was to verify whether thalassemia carriers are at increased risk of having offspring with a NTD.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of thalassemia carriers among 75 women who had prenatal diagnoses of NTDs made at our center.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of beta-thalassemia carriers among the affected pregnancies was significantly higher than in the general population (22.5 versus 14%, p < 0.05, chi(2) test).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although inconclusive, these data indicate that folate supplementation is mandatory among women with thalassemia who are planning a pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal and Preimplantation Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Regional Hospital for Microcythemia, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosa Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ibba
authors.forename: Maria Angelica
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zoppi
authors.forename: Marcella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Floris
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Manca
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Axiana
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Monni
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology*