Abstract

SALDARRIAGA, Wilmar et al. Altitude as a risk factor for neural tube defects (NTD). Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2007, vol.58, n.3, pp.189-193. ISSN 0034-7434.

Objective: determining whether altitude is a risk factor for neural tube defects by comparing NTD prevalence amongst hospitals in the ECLAMC network in the cities of Cali and Bogotá in Colombia. Methodology: this was a cross-sectional study using ECLAMC databases from the Valle Teaching Hospital in Cali and Hospital Simón Bolívar, Clinica Emmanuel, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Newborns delivered at these institutions between February 2004 and March 2005 were included in the study. Prevalence ratio was estimated. Results: 7,201 births were registered at the Valle Teaching Hospital between February 2004 and March 2005 and 21 cases of newborns with NTD were identified (29.2 /10,000 newborn prevalence). 15,239 births were registered for the same period at the four institutions in Bogotá; 9 newborns having NTD were identified (6/10,000 live newborn prevalence). A statistically significant difference was observed for all forms of NTD (RR: 4.94; 95%CI: 2.26-10.78), markedly so for anencephaly (RR: 8.46; 95%CI: 1.80-39.85) and spina bifida (RR: 3.81; 95%CI: 1.28-11.36). Conclusions: NTD prevalence was greater in cities lower than 2,000 metres above sea level, as previously reported in the literature.

Keywords : congenital malformation; neural tube defect; altitude.

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