English abstract
In view of the large number of pregnancies complicated by neural tube defect (NTD) in Khuzestan, south
west Iran, this study assesses the prevalence of NTD and its ecological and social factors. Methods: This is a retrospective study, based
on medical documents using an analytic assessment of NTDs in pregnant women attending the Jundi Shapur University hospitals
in Ahvaz from 2 March 2002 to 20 March 2004. Results: The total number of pregnant women was 3,262 and 56 pregnancies were
complicated with NTD. A large number of the infants with NTDs were female (70%) and the most common anomaly was anencephaly.
The prevalence was 4.2 in ,000 births. The percentage in primigravida was 42.6% and in multigravida 57.4%. The main risk factor for
NTD was age of the mother, those between 2 and 30 being the most affected. Consanguinity is the second risk factor with 3% of cou ples who were close relatives. Other socio-demographic factors were also significant. Conclusion: This retrospective study confirms
clinical observation that pregnancies complicated by NTD in Khuzestan are common. There are various ecological and social factors
that correlate with the prevalence of NTD.
