NEURAL TUBE CLOSURE ANOMALIES: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES AND RISK FACTORS AT THE NEONATAL AND NEONATAL RESUSCITATION DEPARTMENT OF MOHAMMED VI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, OUJDA

Objective: This study aims to identify the sociodemographic, maternal, and obstetric risk factors associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) and determine their prevalence among newborns hospitalized in the neonatology and neonatal intensive care unit at CHU Mohamed VI Oujda. Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study over an 18- month period, including all newborns hospitalized with isolated or associated NTDs. Incomplete records were excluded from the analysis. Results: Out of 797 hospitalized newborns, 66 had congenital malformations, including 10 cases of NTDs (1.25%). The types of NTDs identified were anencephaly (1 case), spina bifida (6 cases), and encephalocele (3 cases). The majority of mothers had an average age of 34.3 years, with 80% coming from a low socioeconomic status and 60% having a history of consanguineous marriages. Additionally, fenugreek consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy was reported in 70% of cases, while only 20% of mothers had taken folic acid. Regarding the newborns, 70% presented with hypotonia, and 60% exhibited weak or absent primitive reflexes. The short-term postoperative mortality rate was 30%. Discussion: The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) observed in this study is significantly higher than the global average, which may be explained by unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and maternal nutritional deficiencies. Fenugreek consumption and low folic acid supplementation were identified as significant risk factors. Conclusion: To reduce the incidence of NTDs, itis essential to Strengthening prenatal care, encouraging folic acid supplementation, and advising against the consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy are essential. A preventive strategy tailored to local specificities could significantly improve newborn health and reduce complications associated with neural tube defects (NTDs).