Neural tube defects
• Failure of cranial or
spinal patterning,
closure, or
differentiation • Neural tube closure
starts at three
different points • Potential for a great
variety of defects
due to failure of this
process
(19-70% reduction)
spinal patterning,
closure, or
differentiation • Neural tube closure
starts at three
different points • Potential for a great
variety of defects
due to failure of this
process
• Teratogens
(valproic acid)
• Genetic
factors
• Prevention:
folic acid (19-70% reduction)