Unusual Patterns of Neural Tube Defects in a High Risk Region of Northern China

Objective To study the prevalence of different types of neural tube defects （NTDs） in Luliang Prefecture, Shanxi province, where the prevalence of NTDs is unusually high and the correlation between NTDs prevalence and patterns. Methods A surveillance population-based birth defects was performed in Luliang Prefecture, Shanxi province. Results The results of our study showed that the prevalence of NTDs was 2-fold higher in Luliang Prefecture than in other areas of Shanxi province. Unusual patterns of NTDs were found, however, multiple NTDs were relatively common in Luliang Prefecture, accounting for over 13% of all NTDs cases in China. Conclusion The prevalence of NTDs is associated with its patterns.

Effect of Pathoanatomic Diagnosis on the Quality of Birth Defects Surveillance in China

Objective To provide evidence for more accurate diagnosis of birth defects based on the pathoauatomy of congenital malformations. Methods Data used in this study were obtained fi＇om Luliang City Hospital and three county hospitals of Shanxi province between February 2004 and March 2006. Autopsy and pathological examination of 160 dead fetuses and stillbirths were performed. Photos of dead fetuses and stillbirths were taken, tissues were cut into sections for pathological examination under microscope, all pathological information was recorded, and percentage of birth defects was calculated. Results The proportion of dead fetuses and stillbirths with or without congenital malformations was 84.4% （135/160） and 15.6% （25/160）, respectively. There were 16 categories of major external and internal birth defects in 135 cases of such defects. Congenital heart defects, anencephaly and spina bifida had a higher prevalence rate in the study period. The prevalence rate of non-malformation death and birth defects 〈 28 gestational weeks and internal anomalies ≥ 28 gestational weeks was 14.61% （61/4175） and 17.25% （72/4175）, respectively. A total of 413 in situ anomalies were found in 135 cases of autopsy. Spina bifida, anencephaly, congenital heart defects, aplasia or accessory lobe of lung, renal agenesis and dysplasis and congenital hydrocephaly were more closely associated with severe malformations than with mitis malformations. The cases of dead fetuses and stillbirths with multiple malformations （/〉 2 in situ anomalies） had a higher proportion （74.1%）, whereas those with isolated malformations had a lower proportion （25.93%）. Conclusion The occurrence of congenital malformations in different embryonic developmental stages affects multiple organs. Postmortem examination of internal and multiple malformations of fetal deaths and stillbirths can provide more accurate diagnostic information for birth defects.