title: Potential reduction in neural tube defects associated with use of Metafolin-fortified oral contraceptives in the United States.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study was to estimate the potential reduction of neural tube defects (NTDs) through the use of Metafolin-fortified oral contraceptives (OCs) in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  A population-based decision analytic model was developed to estimate the benefits of increased red blood cell (RBC) folate levels through the use of Metafolin-fortified OCs on NTD risk during pregnancy. We modeled women who began the year taking Metafolin-fortified or traditional OCs. Folate levels were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and clinical trial data. NTD risk was estimated by applying a published risk equation to respective RBC folate levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of predicted NTD cases declined by 23.7% to 31.4%, depending on median baseline folate levels in women taking a fortified OC compared with taking a traditional OC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Metafolin-fortified OCs have the potential to reduce the number of folate-dependent NTDs among current and recent OC users.
authors: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. ntaylor@wayne.edu
authors: Thomas N
authors: TN
authors: Taylor
authors: Raymond A
authors: RA
authors: Farkouh
authors: Jonathan B
authors: JB
authors: Graham
authors: Antje
authors: A
authors: Colligs
authors: Marion
authors: M
authors: Lindemann
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Lynen
authors: Sean D
authors: SD
authors: Candrilli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011247:Pregnancy; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D005492:Folic Acid