Clinical evaluation of spina bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. There are three main types:  spina bifida occulta,  meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Its commonest and most severe form is myelomeningocele. NTDs are the most common malformations having an incidence of 1–5 per 1000 live births.^[1] This study aims to identify clinical characteristic of spina bifida & associated anomalies

51 patients with Spina bifida admitted in the department of surgery & department of paediatric between Dec’16 to Nov’ 17, were analyzed prospectively. The data regarding demographic and clinical profile with associated congenital anomalies were obtained by questionnaire-interview with the parents and patients themselves.. The data was analyzed by SPSS 21.0 version

Out of 51 patients Meningomyelocele was seen in 64.7% (n=33) patients. Sex ratio was M: F 1.4: 1. Most of the patients (82.3%, n=42) presented to us before the age of 6 months. Incidence was higher in Multipara lady & Primigravida lady at the younger age group. Lumbosacral region was the most common site of involvement. Hydrocephalus was the most common associated anomaly followed by Arnold chiari malformation II. Out of 51 patients 5.8% (n=3) patients expired due to various reasons

Patients with spina bifida needs attention about the counselling of patients as well as of parents in the regard of neurological, social & psychological outcome of affected individual. Awareness about the hazards of Consanguinity Marriages should be communicated to the society. Excision and repair of meningomyelocle and VP shunting are the main surgeries that a patient with spina bifida needed.