Epidemiological Study of Anencephaly in Kermanshah (1996-2001)

authors:

avatar T Fakheri 1 , * , avatar Sh Iranfar 1 , avatar HR Saeedi-Borojeni 1 , avatar M Dini 1 , avatar M Taqavi 1

Iran

how to cite: Fakheri T, Iranfar S, Saeedi-Borojeni H, Dini M, Taqavi M. Epidemiological Study of Anencephaly in Kermanshah (1996-2001). J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2005;8(4):e81506. 

Abstract

Introduction: Considering that anencephaly is one of  the causes of stillbirth, and stillbirth determination is a health standard index, this study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of anencephaly in Kermanshah, during 1996-2001.
Materials & Methods: This  descriptive study  included all delivery records during 5 years(1996-2001). Variables, such as sex and gestational age of fetus and mothers’ parity, residence in town, job, previous illness, age and her relationship with her husband were analysed.
Results: In this study 81538 delivery records were studied in which 106 anencephal fetuses(1.3/1000) were identified. Female–male ratio was 2/1(60 versus 31). The Prevalence in females was 1.5 and in males it was 0.7 /1000.  Most cases were registered in 1996(24.5%). 79 of 106 anencephal fetuses were delivered in urban areas of Kermanshah.
Conclusion: Anencephaly was more prevalent in female fetuses (F/M=2). Further studies to find any relation between water chlorine and living area are recommended.

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