Neural Tube Defects from Antenatal Diagnosis to Discharge - a Tertiary Academic Centre Experience.

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.