Neural Tube Defect Flashcards
Opening in the spinal cord or brain that occurs very early in human development
Neural Tube Defect
Closure of the neural tube occurs during the ________________
3rd and 4th week AOG
Diagnostics - most suggested
Amniocentesis
Alpha-fetoprotein levels
Types of Neural Tube Defect
Large skull defect with no cortex. many are stillborn and other die within days of birth
Anencephaly
Types of Neural Tube Defect
Projections of cranial content through a bony skull defect, usually occipital region
Brain pokes out of the skull through an opening
Encephalocele
Types of Neural Tube Defect
CNS defect that occurs as a result of incomplete closure of one or more vertebrae
Spina Bifida
Types of Spina Bifida
Defect in the vertebral arches without herniation of any spinal contents
Birthmarks, dimples, or hairy tuft at the base of the back
Spina Bifida Occulta
Types of Spina Bifida
Defects in vertebral arches with protrusion of meninges
Spina Bifida with Meningocele
Types of Spina Bifida
Defect of vertebral arches with protrusion of meninges, spinal cord, CSF, and nerve roots
Spina Bifida with Meningomyelocele
Risk Factors
- Maternal malnutrition
- Drug exposure (Antiseizure drug such as Valproic acid and Carbamazepine)
- Low socioeconomic group
- Older maternal age
Etiology
Unknown
Inadequate folic acid
Medications (antimetabolites of folic acid, anticonvulsants)
Pregestational IDDM
Maternal hyperthermia
Genetics
Amniotic band disruption sequence
Teratogens and Radiation
Diagnostics Tests
- Amniocentesis - to detect increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein)
- ↑ Alpha fetoprotein
- ↑ Urine estriol
- ↓ Pre-pregnancy serum folic acid
- Fetal UTZ
- MRI
- CT Scan
Clinical Manifestations
Depends on the spinal defect
Altered bowel and bladder functions
Hip and joint deformities
Visible spinal defect
Flaccid paralysis of the legs
