Neural Tube Defects (general) and Anencephaly

Question 1

Neural tube defects are the largest group of congenital anomalies with multifactorial inheritance. True or False?

Answer 1

True.

There is a range of different types of neural tube defects. Lots of different things can cause them. !!!! The neural tube usually closes after one month of conception (however women do not often know they are pregnant at this time and things such as drugs, radiation, chemicals, and taking anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy can cause NTD) !!!!

Pregnant women should be taking folic acid DAILY for prevention on NTD in infant.

Question 2

What is the most serious NTD, likely resulting in a stillbirth?

Answer 2

Anencephaly

Anencephaly is the when both cerebral hemispheres are absent (baby born with severely underdeveloped brain).