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A cluster of central nervous system defects in Jamaica
J Golding1, K Foster-Williams, K Coard
1Institute of Child Health, University of Bristol, UK.
Insights
A study in Jamaica found a cluster of stillbirths and neonatal deaths related to neural tube defects. This cluster may be linked to environmental factors, possibly unripe fruit and vegetables.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Epidemiology
- Teratology
Background:
- Investigating stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Jamaica between September 1986 and August 1987.
- Focusing on congenital anomalies such as anencephaly, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus.
Observation:
- A total of 33 deaths due to these anomalies were recorded out of an estimated 54,400 births.
- A statistically significant temporal cluster of conceptions was identified in a specific rural area.
Findings:
- No apparent demographic differences were observed between parents in the cluster and the general population.
- Jamaican fruits and vegetables have demonstrated teratogenic effects in animal studies.
Implications:
- Suggests a potential environmental link to the observed cluster of birth defects.
- Hypothesizes that consumption of unripe crops may be a contributing factor to teratogenicity.
Abstract:
1. Information was collected on all stillbirths and neonatal deaths on the island of Jamaica during the 12-month period between September 1986 and August 1987. 2. There were 33 such deaths with anencephaly, spina bifida and hydrocephalus out of an estimated 54,400 total births. 3. There was a statistically significant cluster in respect to time of conception in one small rural area of the island. 4. There were no obvious differences between parents involved in the cluster and the rest of the population, but particular Jamaican fruit and vegetables have been shown to be teratogenic in animals. It is postulated that the cluster may have been associated with an unripe crop.