title: Neural tube defects in Malaysia: data from the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry.
abstract: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and early outcome of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Malaysia. This prospective study included all neonates with NTDs (spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocoele) born in 2009 in 32 Malaysian hospitals in the Malaysian National Neonatal Network. The prevalence of NTDs was 0.42 per 1000 live births, being highest among the indigenous people of Sarawak (1.09 per 1000 live births) and lowest among Malaysians of Chinese descent (0.09 per 1000 live births). The most common type of NTDs was anencephaly (0.19 per 1000 live births), followed by spina bifida (0.11 per 1000 live births) and encephalocoele (0.07 per 1000 live births). Majority of the infants with anencephaly (94.5%, n = 51), 45.8% (n = 11) with encephalocoele and 9.5% (n = 4) with spina bifida died. The median duration of hospital stay was 4 (range: 0-161) days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NTDs were common in Malaysia. Mortality was high. Long-term monitoring of NTD prevalence following folic fortification of food is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nem-Yun
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Boo
authors.forename: Irene G S
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Cheah
authors.forename: Meow-Keong
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Thong
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D050498:Live Birth / Q000453:epidemiology; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid
keywords: Malaysia; neural tube defects