Objectives: The risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) is negatively correlated with maternal folate levels in early pregnancy. Thalassemia carriers often have reduced red cell folate contents. The aim of this study was to verify whether thalassemia carriers are at increased risk of having offspring with a NTD.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of thalassemia carriers among 75 women who had prenatal diagnoses of NTDs made at our center.
Results: The prevalence of beta-thalassemia carriers among the affected pregnancies was significantly higher than in the general population (22.5 versus 14%, p < 0.05, chi(2) test).
Conclusion: Although inconclusive, these data indicate that folate supplementation is mandatory among women with thalassemia who are planning a pregnancy.
Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel