EPIDEMIOLOGY, ETIOLOGIC FACTORS, AND PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS OF OPEN SPINAL DYSRAPHISM

The caudal neural tube closes late in the first month after fertilizat ion and failure of it results in myelomeningocele. Epidemiologic studi es have shown differences in prevalence at birth based on ethnic-racia l backgrounds and geography. Etiologic factors include the drug valpro ic acid or carbamazepine. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation appears to decrease the prevalence of neural tube defects. Numerous mo dalities allow for prenatal diagnosis of myelomeningocele. A cesarean section, before rupture of amniotic membranes and onset of labor, decr eases the degree of paralysis.