Every year between 2,500 and 3,500 babies with spina bifida are born in Turkey. The use of folic acid before and during pregnancy plays a critical role in the prevention of this congenital disease. Biruni University Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayşe Kafkaslı stated that the use of folic acid for at least 3 months before pregnancy reduces the risk of developing spina bifida by 70 percent.
Biruni University Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayşe Kafkaslı said that spina bifida is a congenital disease that occurs as a result of the spinal bones not joining. Stating that the disease is popularly known as “split spine disease”, Prof. Dr. Kafkaslı stated that it is seen in 2 to 3 out of a thousand births and that approximately 2,500 to 3,500 babies with spina bifida are born every year.
Underlining that the use of folic acid for 3 months before pregnancy and during pregnancy prevents the development of spina bifida by 70 percent, Prof. Dr. Kafkaslı said, “Consumption of supplements containing L-5 MTHR (METHYL FOLATE), the active form of folic acid, 0.4-0.8mg / day is an effective dose in prevention. If there is a previously diagnosed baby birth, the dose should be 4mg/day. In addition, flour foods such as bread and pasta enriched with folic acid can reduce the formation of spina bifida by 24 percent.”
Stating that the opening can be closed with surgery while the baby is in the womb, Prof. Dr. Kafkaslı said, “The baby's surgery should be performed within the first 72 hours. Although the surgery does not provide complete treatment, the aim here is to enable the baby to walk. Problems with walking, urination and bowel dysfunction due to nerve damage are common problems, but complaints can be reduced with postoperative physical therapy applications.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241015AW308199