Epidemiology, etiologic factors, and prenatal diagnosis of open spinal dysraphism

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Neuroscience
• Public health

Background:

• Myelomeningocele arises from the failure of caudal neural tube closure during early development.
• Prevalence varies geographically and by ethnic-racial background, indicating complex etiology.
• Known risk factors include prenatal exposure to valproic acid and carbamazepine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of myelomeningocele.
• To highlight the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects.
• To discuss interventions that may mitigate the severity of paralysis.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies on myelomeningocele prevalence.
• Analysis of etiological factors, including drug exposure.
• Evaluation of diagnostic and management strategies, including prenatal interventions.

Main Results:

• Neural tube defects like myelomeningocele have variable prevalence.
• Periconceptional folic acid supplementation is associated with reduced incidence.
• Prenatal diagnosis is feasible, and early Cesarean delivery can lessen paralysis.

Conclusions:

• Myelomeningocele is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, environment, and drug exposure.
• Folic acid plays a crucial role in prevention.
• Timely prenatal diagnosis and intervention, such as Cesarean section, can improve outcomes.