Descriptive study on neural tube defects in Argentina

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common central nervous system congenital anomalies.
• Prevalence is influenced by geographic factors and folic acid fortification strategies.
• Understanding regional variations and fortification impacts is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze NTD prevalence reported by Argentina's National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (RENAC) from 2009-2013.
• Compare Argentine NTD data with other American surveillance systems.
• Evaluate the effect of folic acid fortification on NTD rates in Argentina.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed temporal changes in RENAC prevalence (2009-2013).
• Compared RENAC data with international surveillance systems.
• Assessed NTD prevalence in pre- and post-folic acid fortification periods in Argentina.

Main Results:

• Anencephaly and spina bifida showed no significant change, while encephalocele declined in Argentina (2009-2013).
• RENAC reported higher prevalence for anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele compared to Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica.
• A significant decrease in all three NTDs was observed post-folic acid fortification in Argentina.

Conclusions:

• RENAC case characteristics align with existing literature.
• Observed prevalence differences between RENAC and other systems may be artifactual or real.
• Folic acid fortification demonstrably reduced NTD prevalence in Argentina.