Articles tagged with Spina Bifida
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding folic acid to flours significantly reduced congenital neural tube deformation cases in Canada. The incidence dropped from 1.58 per 1,000 births between 1993 and 1997 to 0.86 between 2000 and 2002.
A study found associations between two genes involved in choline metabolism and the risk of spina bifida. The link was discovered independently of maternal dietary choline intake during pregnancy.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies reveals that spina bifida causes significant psychological distress in parents, particularly mothers. The condition's impact on families requires healthcare to include psychological support for caregivers to cope with childcare and ensure family well-being.
Researchers found a significant decrease in spina bifida and anencephaly rates in Chile between 2001-2002, following folic acid fortification. The study suggests that the fortification is responsible for the decline, as similar trends were observed in other countries with folic acid fortification.
Up to 70% of spina bifida cases can be prevented by maternal folic acid supplementation around the time of conception. Individuals with spina bifida require both surgical and medical management throughout their lives.
Research findings suggest that a balanced diet prior to pregnancy can reduce the chance of spina bifida. Myo-inositol, zinc, and vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial in preventing the condition, although further research is needed to confirm this.
Fetal surgery for spina bifida has been shown to improve leg function and reduce the need for shunts in infants. The study found that 24 of the 47 surviving infants had better neurologic leg function than predicted, while only 20 required a shunt.
A study by Dr. Joel Ray found that folic acid fortification has no immediate effect on the incidence of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) in Canada. Research suggests that genetic mutations may occur before fetal development, making folic acid supplementation less effective in preventing the condition.
A study compared the impact of young adult teams (YAT) and ad hoc services on young disabled people's participation in society. YATs were found to be more effective, with participants being 2.5 times more likely to engage in activities. The findings suggest that coordinated multidisciplinary teams can make a difference at no extra cost.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
A team of researchers has identified a novel gene, Lpp1, that is mutated in mice with severe spina bifida. This discovery provides new insights into the genetic basis of the condition and may lead to the development of new therapies to prevent it.
Researchers at Northwestern University are analyzing DNA samples from families with children born with spina bifida to identify genetic traits and risk factors. The study aims to predict the likelihood of having a child with the condition, giving parents power to make informed decisions.