What Is Anencephaly and Is Organ Donation Possible?
By Jennifer Heisler, RN, About.com Guide
What is anencephaly?
Anencephaly is a neural tube defect that affects the brain, skull and spinal cord of a newborn. The defect results in the absence of portions of the brain and skull. The condition varies from individual to individual, in some the frontal area of the brain may be missing, in others the cerebrum may be missing, or both may be absent. In addition to the absence of significant amounts of brain tissue, the cranium, the bony covering of the skull that forms to protect the brain, is also largely absent.
How Common Is Anencephaly?
According to the Centers For Disease Control, an accurate number of cases in the United States is difficult to calculate due to several factors. Many anencephalic fetuses result in miscarriages, while other parents may choose to terminate the pregnancy when they are made aware of the diagnosis. 75% of all pregnancies carried to term or nearly to term result in a stillbirth. Overall, it is estimated that 1 in 10,000 pregnancies results in an anencephalic fetus, while approximately 1 in 4,000 live births have the condition. Rates of all neural tube defects are higher in countries that do not supplement the food supply with folic acid, and in places where malnutrition is common.
Can Anencephaly Be Prevented?
There are ways to minimize the risks of anencephaly; however, there is no absolute way to prevent it. Even with no risk factors, appropriate diet and supplementation, there is a risk of neural tube defects that cannot be removed.
What is anencephaly?
Anencephaly is a neural tube defect that affects the brain, skull and spinal cord of a newborn. The defect results in the absence of portions of the brain and skull. The condition varies from individual to individual, in some the frontal area of the brain may be missing, in others the cerebrum may be missing, or both may be absent. In addition to the absence of significant amounts of brain tissue, the cranium, the bony covering of the skull that forms to protect the brain, is also largely absent.
How Common Is Anencephaly?
According to the Centers For Disease Control, an accurate number of cases in the United States is difficult to calculate due to several factors. Many anencephalic fetuses result in miscarriages, while other parents may choose to terminate the pregnancy when they are made aware of the diagnosis. 75% of all pregnancies carried to term or nearly to term result in a stillbirth. Overall, it is estimated that 1 in 10,000 pregnancies results in an anencephalic fetus, while approximately 1 in 4,000 live births have the condition. Rates of all neural tube defects are higher in countries that do not supplement the food supply with folic acid, and in places where malnutrition is common.
Can Anencephaly Be Prevented?
There are ways to minimize the risks of anencephaly; however, there is no absolute way to prevent it. Even with no risk factors, appropriate diet and supplementation, there is a risk of neural tube defects that cannot be removed.
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