Neural tube defects

Neural tube defects (NTDs) involve incomplete development of the embryonic structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord. They affect about 4,000 pregnancies a year and thus are among the most common of severe birth defects. Spina bifida and anencephaly account for 90% of them. Their incidence is dropping, however, because of the use of folic acid dietary supplements to prevent these defects. Prenatal diagnosis could now detect 70% of NTDs, but the tests produce many false positives, so the question is under what circumstances should they be recommended to pregnant women. This text provides authoritative discussions of a wide range of theoretical, experimental and clinical issues, and is divided into sections on embryology, clinical features, epidemiology, genetics, treatment and patient education, and public health.

שנה

2006

שפה

English

הוצאה

Oxford University Press

מהדורות

1

עמודים

399

ISBN

9780195166033

מקור הנתונים: Wikidata