A simple one-rupee folic acid pill taken before conception can prevent up to 80% of severe neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida, according to medical experts at the Foundation Day of King George’s Medical University’s (KGMU) pediatric surgery department on Saturday.
Prevention Is Simple and Affordable
“In spina bifida, the spine fails to close fully during the first month of pregnancy. While there is no cure for this debilitating condition, prevention is both simple and affordable with a vitamin pill costing only one rupee,” said Dr. Santosh J. Karmarkar, pediatric surgeon from Mumbai. He emphasised that women who begin taking folic acid at least two months before conception can reduce their child’s risk of developing spina bifida by 60–80%.
Role of Folic Acid in Early Pregnancy
Explaining the science behind the prevention, Prof. Smriti Agrawal of KGMU’s gynecology department noted, “Folic acid is crucial for the proper development of the neural tube in the very early stages of pregnancy.”
Understanding Spina Bifida
As reported by TOI, Dr. Digambar Chaubey from AIIMS Patna described spina bifida’s main symptom as a lesion or cyst on the baby’s spine formed from nerves. “The lesion causes paralysis and a lifelong lack of control over bowel and bladder functions,” he explained. He further confirmed that the condition can be detected through ultrasound screening during pregnancy.
Treatment Options Available at KGMU
For children born with spina bifida, treatment is available locally. Prof. J. D. Rawat, head of KGMU’s pediatric surgery department, assured that the university regularly performs surgical procedures to treat the condition.