Background: Bleeding Worldwide, approximately 300,000 infants are born annually with neural tube defects (NTDs), which carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the experience with NTD patients born at a tertiary academic center. Methods: A retrospective record review of all neonates with NTD admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit over six years. Results: Out of the 39 patients identified, 32 (82.1%) were diagnosed antenatally. Most NTD cases were of the myelomeningocele 26 (66.7%) type. The most common site of the myelomeningocele was lumbar, and the thoracolumbar site had the worst prognosis.Conclusion: Early detection of the disease allows better planning of delivery and treatment decisions. Nevertheless, understanding the magnitude of the problem necessitates adopting public health prevention strategies for better outcomes.
Key words: neural tube defect, spina bifida, neonate, myelomeningocele, prognosis.
|
