Is there a seasonal variation in the incidence of potentially folate sensitive fetal malformations?

There have been conflicting reports on the incidence of gastroschisis and its seasonal variation. To evaluate the existence of a seasonal variation in the incidence of gastroschisis and spina bifida in our patients a retrospective database analysis was conducted. Methods and Materials: Second trimester pregnancy screening was performed on 8031 patients between October 2001 und March 2005 with files in our database. Patients were evaluated throughout the year separately for their expected date of delivery during the summer months (April- September) and the winter months (October – March). Results: We have diagnos…