Table 1 Characteristics of cases of myelomeningocele and controls in Bangladesh (mean ± SD, except where noted)
Characteristic | Controls (n = 55) | Cases (n = 57) | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|
Age (months) | 8.0 ± 4.9 | 5.9 ± 5.3 | 0.38 |
Male [n (%)] | 32 (58) | 34 (60) | 0.87 |
Mother’s age at delivery (years) | 23.1 ± 4.1 | 25.2 ± 5.4 | 0.02 |
Father’s age at delivery (years) | 31.5 ± 5.4 | 32.5 ± 6.8 | 0.38 |
Reported prenatal folic acid use [n(%)] | 39 (71) | 28 (49) | 0.02 |
First born | 25 (46) | 23 (40) | 0.56 |
Cesarian section [n(%)] | 24 (44) | 23 (40) | 0.72 |
Birth site | Â | Â | 0.15 |
Hospital | 23 (22) | 14 (25) | Â |
Birth center/clinic | 11 (20) | 15 (26) | Â |
Home | 24 (44) | 28 (49) | Â |
Reported any ultrasound during pregnancy [n(%)] | 50 (91) | 48 (92) | 0.19 |
Plasma folate concentration (nmol/L) | 10.6 ± 14.7 | 10.5 ± 13.8 | 0.97 |
Level of neural tube defect | Â | Â | Â |
Lumbar [n (%)] | Â | 49 (86) | Â |
Cervical [n (%)] | Â | 8 (14) | Â |