Neural tube defects in Jamaica following Hurricane Gilbert.

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.84.3.473
• Publication Date: 2008-11-29T13:18:52Z
• Authors: E M Duff; E S Cooper
• Keywords: Encephalocele; Anencephaly; Neural tube defect

An increased incidence of obvious live-birth neural tube defects (i.e., spina bifida cystica and encephalocele) occurred in Jamaica 11 to 18 months after Hurricane Gilbert. The conceptions the affected babies coincided with a rise megaloblastic change sickle cell patients, suggesting wide-spread drop dietary folate intake. A detailed history was taken from each 17 mothers (case subjects) 51 unaffected (matched control subjects). case subjects reported significantly lower mean intake periconceptional period (154 micrograms/day) than did (254 micrograms/day). temporary increase associated diet comparatively low period, level that fails protect against under natural conditions.