Follow-Up of Newborns with Neural Tube Defects: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVES: Neural tube defects, defined as the developmental malformations of central nervous system, are seen in our country at a rate three per thousand on average. Our study aims to retrospectively evaluate patients with neural defects hospitalized intensive care unit for last decade. STUDY DESIGN: Demographic data, prenatal-maternal characteristics, surgical operation time, follow-up, and long-term neurological-developmental results these were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent (n=31) diagnosed prenatally. Arnold Chiari type 2 3 malformation was 64% (n=23) 3% (n=1), respectively. Eighty-nine (n=32) had meningomyelocele, whereas 90% (n=27) them lumbosacral region. The operated median postnatal 9th day (4-27). Compared who 1st week following first week, any difference not detected terms neuromotor cognitive development, urinary/stool incontinence frequency. Of 28 whose follow-up questioned, 7 (25%), 25 (89%), 16 (57%) able walk, talk, go school along being compatible their peers, CONCLUSION: We presented center's experience make significant contribution decrease defect frequency, which is commonly compared developed countries.