Panorama of Spina Bifida in the Southeast Region of Brazil
Epidemiological Analysis from 2014 to 2023
Keywords:
Congenital malformation, Neural tube defect, EpidemiologyAbstract
Objective: Neural tube defects, particularly spina bifida, are congenital anomalies of great clinical and epidemiological relevance, resulting from alterations in the embryonic development of the central nervous system, associated with multiple risk factors. This study analyzed the epidemiological profile of spina bifida in the Southeast Region of Brazil (2014-2023), through an observational, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative investigation based on data from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC/DATASUS). During this period, 2,956 cases were recorded, predominantly in São Paulo (58.9%), followed by Minas Gerais (20.1%), Rio de Janeiro (17.0%), and Espírito Santo (3.8%). The average incidence was 2.70 per 10,000 live births, with a slight reduction over the years. There was a higher frequency of cesarean deliveries (85.4%), a predominance of term births (65.6%), an average birth weight of 2,752 g, and significant improvement in Apgar scores from the 1st to the 5th minute. A predominance of mothers with intermediate education (8 to 11 years of schooling) was observed, as well as a higher occurrence among newborns identified as White (48.7%) and Brown (41.2%). The findings highlight the importance of folic acid supplementation and food fortification as preventive measures and highlight regional and socioeconomic inequalities in the occurrence of spina bifida.
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