NUR 416 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Neural Tube Defect, Encephalocele, Myelodysplastic Syndrome
19 Mar 2020
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Anencephaly: both cerebral hemispheres are absent, incompatible with life. Encephalocele: failure of the skull to fuse properly to protrusion of the brain though the defect, incompatible with life, part of brain is outside of skull. Myelodysplasia: any malformation of the spinal canal & cord. Spina bifida: midline defects involving failure of the osseous spine to close. Folic acid deficiency: now recommended for all women of childbearing age, significantly decreases rates of spina bifida, 400 mcg/day recommended, neural tube develops during first weeks of pregnancy. 1: recommend increasing the amount of folic acid. Use of sauna/hot tubs or fevers early in pregnancy. Synthetic form of folate: water-soluble b9 vitamin, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, oranges, & fortified cereals. Midline defect involving failure of the bony spine to close: spina bifida occulta: incomplete fusion of the vertebrae. Not visible externally: maybe a dimple or tuft of hair over spinal column, but no visible defect.
