Dados do Trabalho

Título

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SPINA BIFIDA AND PRENATAL CARE QUALITY IN THE BRAZILIAN MIDWEST REGION FROM 2012 TO 2022

Introdução

Neural tube defects (NTDs) develop when part of the neural tube does not close normally during the third and fourth weeks after conception. Spina bifida (SB) is the most common NTD. Prevention of SB can be achieved through adequate folic acid supplementation. The Ministry of Health's recommendation is to start this vitamin three months before conception and continue to maintain supplementation until the end of the first trimester. Furthermore, adequate prenatal care includes other important measures for the prevention of SB, such as strict control of diabetes and adequate management of body weight, as both conditions increase the risk of NTDs, in addition to performing routine ultrasounds that detect fetal malformations early.

Objetivo

This study aims to analyze the epidemiological quantity of cases of birth of children with SB in the Midwest region of Brazil, evaluating its prevalence in the states and correlating it with the quality of prenatal care.

Método

The study was carried out through retrospective analysis using data from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) obtained through the DATASUS Health Information System. Inclusion criteria included confirmed cases in live births in Midwest states from 2012 to 2022, with complete information on the quality of prenatal care.

Resultados

353 confirmed cases of spina bifida were reported in the Midwest region. During the period analyzed, there were 241 adequate prenatal cares that culminated in cases of SB. 41.3% of cases were in the state of Goiás with 43 inadequate prenatal care, 22.3% in Mato Grosso do Sul with 27 inadequate prenatal care, 22.0% in Mato Grosso with 24 inadequate prenatal care, and 14.4% in Distrito Federal with 18 inadequate prenatal care

Conclusão

Thus, it is confirmed that inadequate prenatal care is associated with a greater chance of spina bifida in Western region, as shown in the state of Goiás, which exhibited higher gross numbers of inadequate prenatal care and cases of SB. Proper prenatal care plays a crucial role in preventing SB. Although the data from this study demonstrate the development of SB even during adequate prenatal care, it is established in the literature that it can help identify risk factors and prescribe preventive measures for NTDs.

Referências

1. BRASIL. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Protocolo de Suplementação de Vitamina A e Ácido Fólico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2021. Disponível em: http://www.saude.gov.br/protocolos. Acesso em: 15 jul. 2024.
2. BRASIL. Ministério da Saúde. Departamento de Informática do SUS – DATASUS. Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos – SINASC. 2023. Disponível em: http://www.datasus.gov.br. Acesso em: 15 jul. 2024.
3. GREENBERG, J. A.; BELL, S. J.; GUNNING, D. et al. Folic acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention. Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology, v. 4, n. 2, p. 52-59, 2011.
4. JOHNSON, C. Y.; HONEIN, M. A.; DANA FLANDERS, W. et al. Pregnancy termination following prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly or spina bifida: a systematic review of the literature. Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, v. 94, 2012, p. 857.
5. WILSON, R. D.; O'CONNOR, D. L. Maternal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation: International clinical evidence with considerations for the prevention of folate-sensitive birth defects. Preventive Medicine Reports, v. 24, 2021, p. 101617.

Palavras Chave

Spina Bifida; Epidemiology; Midwest region