Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model
Published on: March 27, 2016
Spina bifida--a follow-up study of neonates born from 1991 to 2001
Krzysztof Preis1, Malgorzata Swiatkowska-Freund, Iwona Janczewska
1Department of Obstetrics, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. kpreis@amg.gda.pl
Insights
Myelomeningocele in infants leads to high mortality and severe developmental delays. Lesion location impacts survival and sphincter control, while neonatal condition affects mental development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Myelomeningocele is a severe congenital condition affecting infant development.
- Early identification and management are crucial for outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track the developmental trajectory of infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
- To identify factors influencing survival and developmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 54 infants born with myelomeningocele between 1991 and 2001 was followed.
- Data collection included diagnosis timing, lesion localization, birth weight, and developmental assessments.
Main Results:
- High mortality rates (40.8% live births) and stillbirths (13.0%) were observed.
- Late diagnosis, high lesion level, comorbidities, and low birth weight increased mortality risk.
- Significant challenges in motor function, bladder, and bowel control were noted, correlating with lesion level.
Conclusions:
- Myelomeningocele is linked to substantial mortality and psychomotor retardation.
- Lesion localization is critical for survival and sphincter function.
- Neonatal condition, not delivery mode, influences long-term mental development.
Aims:
To follow the development of children born with myelomeningocoele.
Methods:
We followed 54 infants born with myelomeningocele between 1991 and 2001 in the Obstetrical Department of the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
Results:
The mortality rate for live births was 40.8%. 13.0% of the children were stillborn and 5.5% were lost for observation. Late diagnosis, a high localization of the lesion, the presence of other malformations, and low birth weight increased the risk of death. Diagnosis was most commonly made in the 31-35(th) week of pregnancy. For 18.5% of the subjects, the diagnosis was postnatal. There was no correlation between the time and mode of delivery and mental development. Only some of the children were able to walk, to use braces, or use a wheelchair. Most of the children had poor bladder and bowel control. We found a correlation between these dysfunctions and the level of myelomeningocele.
Conclusions:
Myelomeningocoele is associated with high rates of mortality and severe psychomotoric retardation. The localization of the lesion has an impact on survival rate and sphincter control. Mental development depends on neonatal condition after delivery. Mode of delivery does not influence the child's further development.
