Folic Acid & Vitamin B12 Deficiency:  Commonest Cause of Congenital  Anomalies amongst Sub–Urban Population  in Pune

Dr. Mithil Patil

Volume : II, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Folic Acid & Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Commonest Cause of Congenital Anomalies amongst Sub–Urban Population in Pune

Dr. Mithil Patil

Abstract :

We have studied the incidence & type of congenital anomalies detectable at birth in Bharati Hospital & research centre over a period of 7 years by retrospective analysis. Bharati Hospital & Research centre is a tertiary hospital having a annual birth rate 1800 . Bharati hospital caters to approximately 5 million population in the vicinity along with innumerous patients referred for specialized care from villages, primary health centers & Subcentres in a perimeter of 100 kms . Most of the population served is lower middle class. After studying their socioeconomic factors we have found that most of the pregnant patients with congenital anomalies are pure vegans & have co–existent anaemia during pregnancy . NTDs are the commonest congenital anomaly in 75 % of patients suggesting deficiency of folate & Vitamin B12.