Neural tube defects and associated anomalies in South Carolina.
BACKGROUND
Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur as isolated malformations and in the company of other birth defects. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of coexisting anomalies and the relationship between them.


METHODS
Since 1992, NTDs have been identified through prenatal and postnatal surveillance activities in South Carolina. The type of NTD and presence of associated anomalies were determined by prenatal ultrasound, postnatal and/or postmortem examination.


RESULTS
During the ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, 564 NTDs were identified by the surveillance system. Seventeen percent of NTDs (98/564) had associated malformations. In approximately half (n = 51) of these cases, the NTDs and associated anomalies were components of a recognizable syndrome. In the remaining cases (n = 47), no syndrome was identified or suspected, but the associated anomalies were believed in most instances to be secondary to space limitation or neural crest abnormalities imposed by the NTD.


CONCLUSIONS
Seventeen percent of NTDs in South Carolina have associated malformations. In most cases, the associated anomalies are considered either components of a multiple malformation syndrome or secondary to the NTD.
Stevenson
Roger E
RE
Greenwood Genetic Center, South Carolina 29646, USA. res@ggc.org
Seaver
Laurie H
LH
Collins
Julianne S
JS
Dean
Jane H
JH
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D013022:South Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D013577:Syndrome
D005492:Folic Acid