Success Story

One case study best illustrates the power of combining these four approaches: diagnostic services, treatment, research and education. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are among the most difficult and debilitating disorders. Research shows that if expectant mothers take a multivitamin containing folic acid every day it greatly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects. A surveillance and prevention program administered by the Center began enrolling women in 1992. At that time the incidence of neural tube defects was about one in every 500 births. Today that rate has fallen to one in every 1,250 births. Last year in South Carolina that translated to 60 healthy babies and savings of $15 million in medical expenses. Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in South Carolina, and cost over $6 billion nationwide. Programs such as this prevent birth defects and save lives. Other cures are out there. With your help, we can find them.