Tags: Disease.
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common birth defects affecting over 300000 births globally each year. For example Spina Bifida affects approximately 1500 births annually in the USA or about 3.5 in every 10000 which has decreased from around 5 per 10000 since folate fortification was instituted. A NTD is an opening in the spinal cord or brain that occurs very early in human development.