Trends in neural tube defects in Scotland in 2000-2021 prior to the introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour: a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe the total birth prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Scotland in 2000-2021.

Design

National, population-based study.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Participants

Babies with an NTD and pregnancy outcome of live birth, stillbirth (≥20 weeks' gestation) or termination of pregnancy (any gestation), as recorded in the Scottish Linked Congenital Condition Dataset.

Exposures

Year, maternal age group and maternal area-level deprivation quintile.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was the total birth prevalence of all NTDs and separately anencephaly and spina bifida (per 10 000 total births). The association between exposures and outcomes was investigated using Poisson regression.

Results

In Scotland in 2000-2021, the

SUBMITTER: Kirolos A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12573312 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature