Anencephaly: An Ongoing Investigation in Washington State
1Sara Barron is a nursing instructor at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland, WA. Contact author: barron_sg@yahoo.com. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
The American Journal of Nursing
|February 26, 2016
Summary
A cluster of anencephaly (infants born without parts of the brain or skull) cases was detected in Washington State. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this birth defect, which is significantly above the national average.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Teratology
Background:
- A notable increase in anencephaly cases was observed in Washington State starting in 2012.
- The detected anencephaly rate significantly exceeds the national average, prompting an in-depth investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a cluster of anencephaly cases in Washington State.
- To identify potential risk factors contributing to the elevated rate of this neural tube defect.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of birth defect clusters.
- Analysis of anencephaly rates in Washington State from 2010 to 2015.
- Review of known risk factors for neural tube defects.
Main Results:
- Anencephaly rates in Washington State were found to be 8.4 per 10,000 live births (2010-2013), over four times the national average.
- By November 2015, the rate had further increased to an estimated 9.5 per 10,000 live births.
- No single cause has been definitively identified, but potential contributing factors are being explored.
Conclusions:
- Washington State is experiencing a significant and ongoing increase in anencephaly cases.
- Multiple factors, including folic acid deficiency, genetic variations, and environmental exposures, are recognized contributors to neural tube defects.
- Further research is crucial to pinpoint the specific causes of the observed anencephaly cluster.
