Overview

Neural tube defects, spina bifida, anencephalus, and encephalocoele, are among the commonest severe congenital abnormalities in most countries. The last decade has seen many advances, including the use of antenatal diagnosis by chemical and ultrasound methods, population screening, and many new findings in epidemiology, culminating in the demonstration of the protective effect of folic acid on recurrences. The progress in both antenatal diagnosis and in aetiological research on neural tube defects has been particularly dramatic, and may well anticipate developments in regard to other congenital abnormalities. Primary prevention now appears as an attainable goal.This book presents a critical review of the extensive findings of epidemiological studies, discusses several methodological issues of wider relevance such as ascertainment, seasonal variation, ethical and legal issues. As well as providing a unique resource in regard to neural tube defects, much of the material is relevant to those with wider interests in the prevention, antenatal diagnosis, and control of major diseases.

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9780192618849

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'if you are looking for a full, balanced and contemporary account of what is known about the epidemiology of NTD, you will probably find that this book comes closer than any other to meeting your needs' Ian Leck, International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 22, No. 5, Oct '93 'The generous use of Figures and Tables helps the reader to grasp the tremendous amount of information presented. The work is beautifully produced and is a superb work of reference.' ick Smithells, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. September 1993 'Elwood, Little, and Elwood have produced an excellent and comprehensive account of the state of neural tube defect research up to 1991.' A.E. Czeizel, The Lancet, Vol 341, 1993 'by far the most detailed and comprehensive review we have ... if you are looking for a full, balanced and contemporary account of what is known about the epidemiology of NTD, you will probably find that this book comes closer than any other to meeting your needs' Ian Leck, International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 22, No. 5, Oct '93 'This is a most useful reference book which should be available in all medical libraries and on the bookshelf of anybody working in the field of controlling and preventing neural tube defects in a population.' K.M. Laurence, University Hospital of Wales, Neuromuscular Disorders, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1994 `a remarkable accomplishment ... comprehensive review of the changing epidemiology of neural tube defects ... The book covers all major aspects of the epidemiology of neural tube defects ... includes extensive references for each topic ... The interpretations and conclusions at the end of each chapter are balanced and authoritative ... We highly recommend Epidemiology and Control of Neural Tube Defects to researchers, students, teachers, and practitioners of public health and medicine who are interested in the prevention of birth defects.' Muin J. Khoury, Joseph Mulinare, American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 139, No. 9, May 1994

'Elwood, Little and Elwood have produced an excellent and comprehensive account of the state of neural tube defect research up to 1991.' The Lancet

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