Case Study #1 Spina Bifida
Q1. What is the main pathology for this disease? Who primarily gets it and why?
Spina bifida is considered a neural tubal defect (NTD) that affects the spine. (1) The neural tube is formed in the very early stages of pregnancy, specifically beginning in the third week.(2) The process of neural tubal closure is very complex and it can be disrupted.(2) When the backbone fails to form or close completely, spina bifida is the result.(1) This lack of closure can occur anywhere along the spine.(1) The location, size, and whether the spinal cord and nerves are affected determines the severity of physical and cognitive disabilities.(1)
Spina bifida occurs in about 1,500 live births per year in the United States. Hispanic women have the highest rate of births of babies with spina bifida (3.8 per 10,000). Non-Hispanic African American women have the lowest rate of births of babies with spina bifida (2.73 per 10,000) and the rate of births of babies with spina bifida to non-Hispanic white …show more content…
This blood test is done in the second trimester. Higher levels of a protein called maternal alpha fetoprotein (AFP) could be indicative of Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida, the most serious type of spina bifida. If the quadruple screen test is positive, further testing through ultrasound and amniocentesis is done. During the sonogram, the sonographer is looking at the development of the spinal canal as well as specific cranial malformations that are associated with “open” forms of spina bifida. After birth, x-rays, ultrasound, and/or CT or MRI scans will be taken of the spinal area. A neurological exam, including pin pricks of the lower limbs, to test for sensitivity to stimuli, will be
Q1. What is the main pathology for this disease? Who primarily gets it and why?
Spina bifida is considered a neural tubal defect (NTD) that affects the spine. (1) The neural tube is formed in the very early stages of pregnancy, specifically beginning in the third week.(2) The process of neural tubal closure is very complex and it can be disrupted.(2) When the backbone fails to form or close completely, spina bifida is the result.(1) This lack of closure can occur anywhere along the spine.(1) The location, size, and whether the spinal cord and nerves are affected determines the severity of physical and cognitive disabilities.(1)
Spina bifida occurs in about 1,500 live births per year in the United States. Hispanic women have the highest rate of births of babies with spina bifida (3.8 per 10,000). Non-Hispanic African American women have the lowest rate of births of babies with spina bifida (2.73 per 10,000) and the rate of births of babies with spina bifida to non-Hispanic white …show more content…
This blood test is done in the second trimester. Higher levels of a protein called maternal alpha fetoprotein (AFP) could be indicative of Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida, the most serious type of spina bifida. If the quadruple screen test is positive, further testing through ultrasound and amniocentesis is done. During the sonogram, the sonographer is looking at the development of the spinal canal as well as specific cranial malformations that are associated with “open” forms of spina bifida. After birth, x-rays, ultrasound, and/or CT or MRI scans will be taken of the spinal area. A neurological exam, including pin pricks of the lower limbs, to test for sensitivity to stimuli, will be