First described in 19th century Applied in 20th century to manage

genetic disorders and congenital malformations

Ultrasound used in 1960’s to detect foetal abnormalities

1972 – first diagnosis of Anencephaly 1975 – first diagnosis of Spina Bifida

Used as a test for open NTD since the 1970’s

Year Spina Bifida

1996 34

1997 24

1998 31

1999 26

2000 32

2001 13

2002 12

2003 13

2004 16

2005 21

2006 14

2007 11

2008 19

2009 9

4th highest lifetime cost of all birth defects

$355,000 – Singh & Elliot 1997 $112,000USD in parental lost earnings $74M USD for newborns in USA for

2003 $1M per child in NZ – Dr Brendon

Bowkett (CCDHB) $39M per year managing NTDs