Describing the Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects Worldwide: A Systematic Literature Review

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Authors

Ibrahim Zaganjor · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Ahlia Sekkarie · National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

Becky L. Tsang · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jennifer L. Williams · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hilda Razzaghi · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Joseph Mulinare · Carter Center

Joseph E. Sniezek

Abstract

Many WHO member states (120/194) did not have any data on NTD prevalence. Where data are collected, prevalence estimates vary widely. These findings highlight the need for greater NTD surveillance efforts, especially in lower-income countries. NTDs are an important public health problem that can be prevented with folic acid supplementation and fortification of staple foods.

Topics & Keywords

Folate and B Vitamins Research Esophageal and GI Pathology Congenital Anomalies and Fetal Surgery

UN Sustainable Development Goals

No poverty

Publication Details

Published in: PLoS ONE

Volume 11, Issue 4, pp. e0151586-e0151586

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151586

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 38.62