Awareness of maternal folate intake and prenatal screening in reducing the incidence of Myelomeningocele

Abstract

Aim: To determine the awareness of mother regarding folate supplementation and prenatal scan to reduce the incidence of Myelomeningocele. Study design: Cross sectional. Material and Method: The study consist of fifty cases of myelomeningocele. Cases were collected from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (J.P.M.C.). The study was carried out in Dow Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (D.D.R.L). Patients were examined for the presence of cyst on the vertebral column. Diagnosis was further confirmed by MRI scans. Mothers were inquired about the intake of folic acid before and during pregnancy. They were also asked about the prenatal scans conducted to rule out the anomaly. Results: Among fifty mothers only two (4%) took folic acid during pregnancy. Six (12%) mothers had prenatal ultrasound and they were aware of having the anomalous baby. Conclusion: Myelomeningocele is a birth defect for which various risk factors are identified. The outcome of the study highlights the significance of perception of mothers about the prevalence of the disease in adevelopingnation like Pakistanand its prevention with supplementation of folic acidand early diagnosisthrough antenatalscreening. Keywords: Myelomeningocele, anomaly, prenatal, cyst, diagnosis, antenatal screening.