Neural tube defects among rural blacks in a Transkei district. A preliminary report and analysis

A retrospective review of the records of 9 142 deliveries occurring during the 5 calendar years 1980-1984 was undertaken to determine the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) among black babies in the rural Transkei district of Umzimkulu. The hospital incidence of 6.13 as well as the extrapolated district-wide incidence of 3.79 NTDs/1 000 births found in this study is markedly higher than the reported rates for the black population in southern Africa (1.3/1 000), and raises the possibility that NTDs may be more prevalent among blacks in some areas of this region than has previously been realized. Factors possibly favouring an increased rate in this area are discussed; and it is planned to continue local NTD surveillance prospectively by means of registries at selected hospitals. NTD characteristics by seasonality and female preponderance appeared to be valid in this group.