A review of the social, psychological, and economic burdens experienced by people with spina bifida and their caregivers.

Introduction Despite measures to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs), the rate of decline has not been as dramatic as expected. At least 300,000 newborns worldwide are known to be affected by NTDs each year. This comprehensive literature review summarizes the human and economic burden of NTDs to patients and caregivers, with particular focus on spina bifida (SB).