Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital abnormalities resulting from improper neural tube closure during early embryonic development. These range from total failure of neural tube closure (craniorachischisis) to partial closures, such as anencephaly (cephalic end) and spina bifida (caudal end). In India, NTDs occur at a rate of approximately 4.1 per 1000 births, with anencephaly accounting for 2.1 per 1000. Anencephaly is a fatal condition where infants are born without a functional cerebrum, remain unconscious, and have a high mortality rate post-birth, although vital functions like breathing and heartbeat may remain temporarily intact. Despite associated malformations, the organs—especially kidneys—can be viable for transplantation if protected from hypoxic damage.

India faces a significant shortage in kidney donations, with only 7500 transplants performed annually out of 220,000 required. Anencephalic infants are considered potential organ donors, with successful kidney transplants from such donors reported as early as 54 years ago.

This study proposes to compare the kidney structures of anencephalic and normal fetuses using stereology, a statistical technique that allows precise three-dimensional quantification of kidney tissue based on two-dimensional histological sections.