What are open neural tube defects?
Neural tube defects are one of the most common serious congenital malformations. In the absence of antenatal screening, about 1 in every 650 babies born would be affected. The two main kinds of open neural tube defects (NTDs) are spina bifida and anencephaly. Babies born with spina bifida have an opening in the bones of the spine which can result in damage to the nerves controlling the lower part of the body. This causes weakness and paralysis of the legs and sometimes bowel and bladder problems. Babies born with spina bifida are also more likely to have a collection of fluid on the brain, called hydrocephalus, which can be treated surgically but may lead to mental handicap. Babies with anencephaly have a large part of the skull missing and the brain is not properly formed. They always die before or soon after they are born. In about 1 in every 5 babies with spina bifida the spinal opening is covered with skin or thick tissue. This is called closed spina bifida and will not be detected
Is it possible to test for open neural tube defects during pregnancy? What are open neural tube defects? Open neural tube defects, or ONTDs, occur in 1 of every 500 to 1000 births. 1,2 ONTDs occur because the baby’s spine or skull does not close during fetal development. Normally, the bones and tissues in the spinal c…
The neural tube, which forms early in pregnancy, eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. If this tube does not close completely, an opening can remain along any part of the baby’s spinal column or head, resulting in an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Open neural tube defects occur in 1 out of every 1,000 births. The risk of having an open neural tube defect does not increase with the age of the mother.
Open neural tube defects, or ONTDs, occur in 1 of every 500 to 1000 births.1,2 ONTDs occur because the baby’s spine or skull does not close during fetal development. Normally, the bones and tissues in the spinal column form around the spinal cord to protect it. In babies with an ONTD, the bones and tissue do not fuse together over the spine, leaving the spinal cord exposed to the surrounding environment. Because the nerves in the spinal cord are not protected by the bones and the skin, damage to important nervous tissue can occur.1,3 Children born with an ONTD have a wide range of medical consequences. Some children have only minor bladder control problems, while others may not be able to walk. Some children who have an ONTD may have mental retardation. The most severe ONTD is called anencephaly. In anencephaly the brain fails to form and the baby is unable to survive.
