Maternal Disorders Related

Review Maternal Disorders related questions and content

Most congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) result from defects in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development. Which factor has the greatest impact on this process?

  • A. Maternal diabetes
  • B. Maternal folic acid deficiency
  • C. Socioeconomic status
  • D. Maternal use of anticonvulsant
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maternal folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is essential for neural tube closure. Deficiency can lead to neural tube defects in the fetus. Maternal diabetes (choice A) can increase the risk, but it's not the primary factor. Socioeconomic status (choice C) may indirectly impact nutrition but isn't directly related to neural tube closure. Maternal use of anticonvulsants (choice D) can increase the risk, but it's not as significant as folic acid deficiency in neural tube closure.