Burden of neural tube defects in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

One of the most common and serious congenital defects is neural tube defect (NTD) in India. The data about the NTDs in India is lacking. The objective of this meta-analysis is to provide an estimate of NTDs in India with regional variations.

This study was conducted by doing a literature search using PubMed (Medline) and Embase databases for studies published from their inception to 1 October 2023 by using relevant keywords. We have prepared our study protocol by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, and our study is registered in PROSPERO. Pooled prevalence was calculated by using the Der Simonian-Liard method and random effect model to find out the burden of NTD in India. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) tool was used for assessing the study quality.

A total of 1129 articles were identified by using the predefined keywords in which 27 articles were selected which were fitting the selection criteria defined in our study. The prevalence of NTDs in our meta-analysis was found to be 9.46 per 1000 births with a 95% confidence interval of 8.01 to 10.91 per 1000 births with significant heterogeneity with I2 of 99.15%.

Our study highlights the increasing trend of NTDs over the past decades, with significant regional variation in India. There is an urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies such as advocacy and awareness, antenatal screening for NTDs, folic acid supplementation, and food fortification. Future research is required for identification and implementation for a target-based approach for region specific.