Neural Tube Defects (prevention in pregnancy) Flashcards
Neural tube defects represent a group of congenital defects, caused by ____________________ within _________ of conception.
incomplete closure of the neural tube
28 days
What are the most common forms of NTDs? (3)
- Anencephaly
- Spinabifida
- Encephalocele
What are the main risk factors for NTDs? (7)
- Maternal folate deficiency
- Maternal B12 deficiency
- Previous history of having an infant with a NTD
- Smoking
- DM
- Obesity
- The use of AEDs
Pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant should be advised to take supplementation with ________ before conception and until week 12 of pregnancy.
folic acid
Pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant should be advised to take supplementation with folic acid ___________ and until week _____ of pregnancy.
before conception
12
A higher daily dose of folate is recommended for women at a high risk of conceiving a child with a neural tube defect, including women who have _____________, who are _______________, or who have ___________ or ____________
- previously had an infant with a neural tube defect
- receiving antiepileptic medication
- diabetes
- sickle-cell disease
What is the recommended dose of folate for prevention of NTDs in women at low risk?
400 mcg daily to be taken before conception until week 12 of pregnancy
(vs 5 mg in high-risk groups)
What is the recommended dose of folate for prevention of NTDs in women at high risk?
5 mg daily to be taken before conception until week 12 of pregnancy
(vs 400 mcg in low-risk)
Healthy Start vitamins for women (containing ________, ________, and _________) are available for pregnant women through the Healthy Start scheme
folic acid
ascorbic acid
vitamin D
Why is sickle-cell disease a risk factor for NTDs?
Higher RBC turnover may lead to folate or B12 deficiency
