Neural tube defects in the Sikhs.

Background information on the incidence of neural tube defects (NTD) in Sikhs in India and elsewhere is given. The incidence of NTD in the Sikh population of British Columbia is estimated for 4 years and found to be 2.86 per 1,000 births. The overall rate for NTD in all B.C. births for these same years is 1.26 per 1,000 births. This difference is statistically significant. Analysis of cases showed that a greater proportion of Sikh cases are stillborn, and these account for much of the excess over expected. It appears that the incidence of NTD in Sikhs is increased compared to the general population incidence of these birth defects in B.C.