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1Kinderklinik, Univ.-Krankenhauses Eppendorf.
Insights
This study determined the prevalence of open meningocele and myelomeningocele in Germany. The national prevalence was 0.57 per 1000 live births, with no significant geographical variations found.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Open meningocele and myelomeningocele are significant congenital malformations.
- Understanding their prevalence and geographical distribution is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of open meningocele and myelomeningocele in infants born in the Federal Republic of Germany during 1982-1983.
- To compare these findings with international data and assess the impact of prenatal diagnosis on prevalence rates.
Main Methods:
- A national study collecting standardized reports from pediatric hospitals, child surgery departments, and neurosurgery centers.
- In Hamburg, data on pregnancy terminations due to prenatal diagnosis of myelomeningocele were also collected.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of open myelomeningocele was 0.57 per 1000 live births in 1982-1983.
- Prevalence rates varied slightly between federal states (0.42 to 0.78/1000), but these differences were not statistically significant.
- No significant geographical disparities were observed within Germany, contrasting with reports from other countries.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of open meningocele and myelomeningocele in Germany during 1982-1983 was relatively low and showed no significant geographical variation.
- Prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy were shown to reduce the prevalence rate in specific regions like Hamburg.
Abstract:
In a national study the prevalence of open meningocele and myelomeningocele as well as the geographical distribution in the Federal Republic of Germany was determined among the life-born infants during 1982 and 1983. The prevalence rates of the single districts and states and the federal territory were established based upon standardized reports of nearly all Children's Hospitals, Departments of Child Surgery and the major Centers of Neurosurgery. In Hamburg the study was extended by establishing the number of abortions because of medical indications after the prenatal diagnosis of a myelomeningocele. In 1982 and 1983 there were 354 resp. 342 infants born with an open myelomeningocele, thus the prevalence rate was 0.569 and 0.575/1000 live births. The average prevalence rate was 0.57/1000 live births. Compared with international studies our data are corresponding with reports from countries with a relative low frequency. The prevalence rates of the states in the federal territory differ between 0.42/1000 live births in Hamburg and 0.78/1000 in Bremen; these differences are not statistically significant. In 9 from 247 districts, the reported rates were significantly higher than the average rate. Because of the small number of children born with this malformation in the single districts, any conclusions from these results are not warranted. Quite different from reports of other countries (Great Britain, United States of America) this study did not show essential geographic differences in the federal territory. Prenatal diagnosis and subsequent termination of pregnancy lowered the prevalence rate of open meningomyelocele at birth in Hamburg from 0.61/1000 to 0.42/1000.