Folic acid

Question 1

what are the causes of folic acid deficiency?

Answer 1

• phenytoin
• methotrexate
• pregnancy
• EtOH xs

Question 2

what are the consequences of folic acid deficiency?

Answer 2

• macrocytic, megaloblastic anaemia

- NTDs

Question 3

how can NTDs be prevented during pregnancy?

Answer 3

1. all women should take 400mcg of folic acid until 12th week of pregnancy
2. women at higher risk of conceiving child with NTD should take 5mg folic acid from before conception until 12th week of pregnancy

Question 4

which women are considered high risk for conceiving a child with NTD?

Answer 4

1. either partner has NTD / have had previous pregnancy affected by NTD / fam hx of NTD
2. woman taking antiepileptic drugs / has coeliac disease / DM / thalassaemia trait
3. obese (BMI >=30)