Frequency if Neural Tube Defects Among Low Risk Pregnancies on Folic Acid Supplimentation in Military Hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency of neural tube defects (NTDs) among Low risk pregnancies on folic acid supplementation in periconceptional period. Study design: Cohort study Place and duration of study: Military Hospital Rawalpindi over a period of 6 months from July 2010 to December 2010. Materials and methods: A total of 372 low risk pregnant ladies presenting to Gynaecology and Obstetric department of Military Hospital Rawalpindi (MH RWP) were carefully selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In group A, 186 patients on folic acid supplementation were included while in group B 186 patients who did not took folic acid in periconceptional period were included. At 18-20 weeks of gestation these patients were subjected to anomaly scan and overall frequency of NTDs detected on mid trimester anomaly scan was measured. Results: There was significant difference in frequency of NTDs in two groups of patients i.e on folic acid supplementation and without folic acid i.e. 2.7% vs. 7.5% (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Correct periconceptual folic acid supplementation is quite effective in reducing the frequency of neural tube defects. NTDs remains a major preventable public health problem in our community because women do not follow periconceptual folic acid supplementation recommendations.