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High incidence of neural tube defects in Bursa, Turkey
N Akar1, A O Cavdar, A Arcasoy
1Ankara University, Department of Haematology and Oncology, Turkey.
Insights
A study in Bursa found a high prevalence of spina bifida occulta. Neural tube defect incidence increased significantly in 1987, possibly linked to the Chernobyl disaster.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Radiological Health
Background:
- A radiological survey in Bursa identified a high prevalence of spina bifida occulta (16.3%) in the general population.
- Hospital data from Bursa indicated a notable incidence of anencephalus and spina bifida aperta (5.8 per 1000 births) between 1983 and 1986.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of neural tube defects in Bursa.
- To assess potential environmental factors influencing birth defect rates.
Main Methods:
- Radiological survey of 1204 individuals.
- Analysis of hospital birth records from 1983 to 1987.
Main Results:
- Spina bifida occulta prevalence was 16.3% in the surveyed population.
- Incidence of anencephalus and spina bifida aperta rose from 5.8 to 20 per 1000 births in early 1987 (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in neural tube defects suggests a potential environmental trigger.
- The Chernobyl disaster in May 1986 is hypothesized as a possible contributing factor to the elevated rates in a susceptible population.
Abstract:
A radiological survey of 1204 members of the population of Bursa revealed a high prevalence of spina bifida occulta (16.3%). Hospital deliveries in the area also showed a high incidence of anencephalus and spina bifida aperta (5.8 per 1000 total births) in the years 1983 to 1986. In the first 6 months of 1987, however, there was an increase in incidence to 20 per 1000 births (P less than 0.01). The possibility is raised that the Chernobyl disaster of May 1986 might have resulted in the elevation of the rate in an already susceptible population.