title: Epidemiology of neural tube defects in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the distribution and pattern of neural tube defects in Saudi Arabia by creating a hospital based registry.
  
  
  METHODS
  All cases registered in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) neural tube defect (NTD) registry since it was established in October 2000 until December 2012 were studied through active surveillance comprising a registrar who collects NTD information by reviewing the patient's medical records, and interviewing patient's families.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of patients registered from October 2000 to December 2012 was 718 patients. There were more females (417, 58%) than males (301, 42%). Of 620 mothers who underwent antenatal ultrasonography; 392 (63%) were diagnosed at birth, and 204 (33%) were diagnosed with antenatal hydrocephalus. In our registry sample, most mothers (95%) did not take folic acid 3 months prior to pregnancy, and 76% did not take folic acid during the 3 months after conception with the affected child. Only 5% received folic acid prior to conception.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The KFSH&RC-NTD registry has met its objectives as a source of data that may significantly contribute to the prevention of NTDs, and improving quality of care for NTD patients through active publication of registry findings and management approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: shail@kfshrc.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Essam
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: AlShail
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Vol
authors.forename: Ahsan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yassen
authors.forename: Essam A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Elgamal
mesh_terms: D003241:Consanguinity; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid