Public health projects for preventing the recurrence of neural tube defects in the United States.

Background: The recurrence risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) in subsequent pregnancies is approximately 3%, or 40 times the background risk. Prevention projects target these high-risk women to increase their folic acid consumption during the periconceptional period, a behavior which decreases their recurrence risk by at least 85%. This study surveyed birth defect surveillance programs to assess their NTD recurrence prevention activities and to identify components of intervention projects that might be implemented in states with limited resources.

Preconception health: a public health challenge.

Minimal attention has been paid to preconception counseling even though good preconception health may be among the most important segments of a woman's life. Only in recent years have most healthcare providers, including obstetricians, realized that the initiation of health care and guidance after conception may be too late to prevent birth defects, low birthweight and infant mortality. The Oklahoma State Department of Health's Birth Defect Registry has developed a Women's Health Appraisal Questionnaire to assist physicians in identifying high-risk behaviors and other condition in the patient's environment that may be linked to detrimental outcomes to the fetus.

Changes in the birth prevalence of selected birth defects after grain fortification with folic acid in the United States: findings from a multi-state population-based study.

Background: Observational studies and clinical trials have suggested that periconceptional use of folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects other than neural tube defects (NTDs). Using data reported by states to the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, we examined whether folic acid fortification might have decreased the prevalence of other specific birth defects.

Methods: For each of 16 birth defect categories selected for study, birth prevalence for two time periods was calculated with data submitted from a number of states in 1995-1996 ("pre-fortification") and 1999-2000 ("post-fortification").

The effect of warm humidified CO2 on the dissipation of residual gas following laparoscopy in piglets.

Study Objective: To determine whether residual gas volume reduces more quickly after insufflation with humidified CO(2) compared with dry CO(2).

Design: Animal study (Canadian Task Force classification I).

Setting: University.