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Seasonality of spina bifida in Northern Germany

  • Materno-fetal Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To verify a seasonal variation in the incidence of spina bifida and thus to identify possible environmental triggers leading to its developement.

Methods

An interdisciplinary approach has been taken to develop a better understanding of spina bifida through collaborative efforts from investigators specializing in genetics, fetal pathology, paediatrics, neuro-surgery and prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. All pregnancies with fetal spina bifida were retrospectively analyzed from May 1 1993 through May 1 2010 at Luebeck University Fetal Health Center. Results were used to construct a model to predict the occurrence of fetal spina bifida based on seasonal variation and environmental influence reflected by climatic changes and environmental pollution. Furthermore, data were categorized in respect to the date of conception and subdivided into date of conception during summer (April–September) and winter months (October–March).

Results

Neither a seasonal distribution of conception for fetuses with spina bifida in the defined time frame could be verified nor a relevant influence of the analyzed environmental factors on the prevalence of spina bifida could be proved. The incidence of spina bifida has remained relatively stable within the last 17 years at 2.5 per 1,000 screened pregnancies.

Conclusion

Since we were unable to demonstrate a relationship between seasonal variation and certain environmental factors on the incidence of fetal spina bifida, other factors should be investigated for a possible association with the onset of fetal spina bifida.

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Acknowledgments

The authors named above declare that there is no source of financial support of the study, including provisions or services from third parties.

Conflict of interest

The authors named above declare that there is no conflict of interest of a financial or other nature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schleswig–Holstein University, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany

    D. A. Beyer, K. Diedrich, J. Weichert, A. Kavallaris & F. Amari

Authors
  1. D. A. Beyer
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  2. K. Diedrich
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  3. J. Weichert
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  4. A. Kavallaris
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  5. F. Amari
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. A. Beyer.

Additional information

The study is registered under clinicaltrials.gov. NCT: 01100697.

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Beyer, D.A., Diedrich, K., Weichert, J. et al. Seasonality of spina bifida in Northern Germany. Arch Gynecol Obstet 284, 849–854 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1762-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1762-0

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