Neural Tube Defects in Resource‐Limited Settings: A Lebanese Case Series Highlighting Prevention Gaps and Challenges in Prenatal Diagnosis
Abstract
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital developmental anomalies resulting from incomplete neural tube closure during early embryonic development. They present a wide range of clinical manifestations along the craniospinal axis. Objective With only 6.2% of Lebanese women of childbearing age taking folic acid tablets during the adequate period, it is primordial to shed light on cases of NTDs in Lebanon. This case series presents four cases of NTDs that deviate from the conventional “zipper closure” model of neural tube development, aligning more with the modern multisite closure approach. This case series showcases the consequences of inadequate intake of folic acid prior to conception in addition to delayed prenatal diagnosis. The four cases are presented in accordance with CARE reporting guidelines. Methods The study presents four case reports of NTDs, including iniencephaly, anencephaly, encephalocele, and spina bifida. Each case details the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes. Results The cases demonstrate various manifestations of NTDs: (1) a case of iniencephaly with hydrocephalus and spina bifida in a 32‐week fetus, (2) a case of anencephaly in a 34‐week fetus, (3) a case of encephalocele in one fetus of diamniotic dichorionic twins at 37 weeks, and (4) a case of closed spina bifida diagnosed at 36 weeks. Discussion The article explores the embryology, classification, and epidemiology of NTDs. It discusses factors that can contribute to…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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