Late Follow-up in Spina Bifida Cystica

Abstract

The further progress of the survivors in 1969, of a group of 150 babies born with spina bifida cystica in the period 1960–66 is described. Children with a meningocele continued to do well. Those with a myelomeningocele are divided into 2 groups. There were 4 late deaths and a considerable degree of handicap in the group of 23 in whom the spinal cord was exposed on the surface as a plaque at birth. There were 2 late deaths and a much lower incidence of handicap in the group of 25 in whom only ectopic nervous tissue was found in the sac at birth. The incidence and treatment of hydrocephalus is described. Changes in the attitude to the treatment of a neonate with a myelomeningocele are discussed.