Study the risk factors for a neural tube defect in women in the COVID-19 pandemic in Zakho. Kurdistan, Iraq
Author(s): Fatima K Khalid*
Abstract
Background: Neural tube defects are a common congenital disorder. The complex etiology of Neural tube defects involve both genetic and environmental factors, thus investigating gene-environment interactions is critical to understanding how it occur or how it may be prevented. Published literatures also have indicated that viral illness during early pregnancy and several antiviral drugs are associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental congenital anomalies of new-born. Aim of the study: To evaluate the prevalence of Neural tube defects among pregnant women suffered from COVID 19 infection Patients and methods: This study is a case control study had done in Zakho Maternity Hospital. The data collected during the period of 1st Ja. 2020-1st Ja 2022, the total 90 cases that reported in the obstetrics and gynecology department with neural tube defects was enrolled in the study, and compared with control group of 90 pregnancies without Neural tube defects. The information collected through direct interview with the mothers through questionnaire includes the information about the socio-demographic, obstetrical history and history of COVID 19 infection, severity, presence of fever, trimester of infection. The laboratory investigations of hemoglobin and PCR to confirm COVID 19 infection was done. Results: COVID infection during pregnancy was significantly higher among those with Neural tube defects 68 (75.6%), in comparison to 30 (33.3%) of those without NTD. Anemia was significantly higher among those with Neural tube defects 69 (67.7%) in comparison to 15 (16.7%). Fever in 1st trimester was significantly higher among those with NTD 70 (77.8%) in comparison to 28 (31.1%). Alcohol intake was significantly lower among those with NTD 2(2.2%) in comparison to 10(11.1%). Polyhydramnios was significantly higher among those with NTD 72 (80%) in comparison to 11(12.2%). Conclusions: COVID infection during pregnancy was significantly higher among those with neural tube defects and this alarming.