Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: We compared characteristics of temporal trends in, and the impact of folic acid grain fortification on, the prevalence of encephalocele, spina bifida, and anencephaly using data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program, a population-based birth defects surveillance system. Prevalences of encephalocele, spina bifida, and anencephaly were compared by maternal age, gender, race, birth weight, ascertainment period (1968-1981, 1982-1993, or 1994-2002), and fortification period (1994-1996 [prefortification] and 1998-2002 [postfortification]) using prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson and negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS:
Encephalocele shows more similarities to spina bifida or anencephaly than it shows differences with respect to characteristics, temporal trend, and impact of fortification. Additional studies should be done to explore the etiologic heterogeneity of encephalocele using better markers of folate status and a wider range of risk factors.
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Authors | Courtney A Rowland, Adolfo Correa, Janet D Cragan, Clinton J Alverson |
Journal | Pediatrics
(Pediatrics)
Vol. 118
Issue 3
Pg. 916-23
(Sep 2006)
ISSN: 1098-4275 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 16950981
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anencephaly
(classification, epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Encephalocele
(classification, epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Female
- Folic Acid
(therapeutic use)
- Food, Fortified
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Male
- Maternal Age
- Neural Tube Defects
(classification, epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Prevalence
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Sex Factors
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