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Anencephalus in the Oxford Record Linkage Study area
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Anencephalus incidence in Oxfordshire and west Berkshire increased from 1965-1972. Risk factors included lower social class and specific paternal occupations, with higher rates in siblings and twins.
Area of Science:
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
- * Medical Genetics
Background:
- * Anencephalus is a severe neural tube defect with significant public health implications.
- * Understanding geographical and temporal trends in anencephalus incidence is crucial for etiological research.
- * Previous studies have indicated variations in anencephalus rates, but comprehensive regional data is often limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To ascertain the incidence of anencephalus in Oxfordshire and west Berkshire between 1965 and 1972.
- * To investigate potential variations in incidence related to time, season, maternal demographics, social class, and paternal occupation.
- * To examine the occurrence of central nervous system defects in siblings and the incidence in twins.
Main Methods:
- * Retrospective analysis of birth records from the Oxford Record Linkage Study.
- * Data collection covered the period 1965–1972 in a defined rural geographical area.
- * Incidence rates were calculated per 1000 total births and analyzed against demographic and occupational variables.
Main Results:
- * The overall incidence of anencephalus was 1.49 per 1000 total births.
- * A significant increase in incidence was observed over the eight-year study period.
- * Higher rates were associated with lower social classes, specific paternal occupations (printers, painters, decorators, transport drivers, armed forces), younger maternal age (20-24), first births, and seasonal conception patterns (Q1/Q2).
- * Siblings of affected infants had a 9.6% rate of central nervous system defects. Twin incidence was double the expected rate.
Conclusions:
- * Anencephalus incidence in the studied region showed a concerning upward trend during the 1960s and early 1970s.
- * Social class, paternal occupation, and maternal factors appear to be associated with an increased risk of anencephalus.
- * The elevated rates in siblings and twins suggest potential genetic or shared environmental influences requiring further investigation.