Results of surgical treatment of myelomeningocele
1Paediatric Surgery Clinic of Medical Academy, ul. Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
Insights
This study analyzed long-term outcomes for children with myelomeningocele. Higher spinal cord lesions and hydrocephalus negatively impacted development, affecting disability levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Spina Bifida Research
Background:
- Myelomeningocele is a complex congenital condition requiring long-term management.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes is crucial for improving patient care and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the long-term outcomes in children and adolescents diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
- To identify factors influencing the developmental trajectory and disability levels in this population.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 66 pediatric patients (aged 3-21 years) with myelomeningocele.
- Review of hospital records and parent-reported data via a custom questionnaire.
- Classification of disability severity using Lagergren's scale.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of patients exhibited varying degrees of physical and mental handicap.
- 15% had no handicap, 27% were moderately handicapped, 30% severely handicapped, and 20% very severely handicapped.
- Disability distribution highlights the spectrum of long-term challenges.
Conclusions:
- Higher spinal cord lesions were associated with poorer long-term outcomes.
- Hydrocephalus and its surgical complications negatively influenced child development.
- These factors are critical considerations for managing myelomeningocele patients.
Unlabelled:
The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of children and adolescents born with myelomeningocele.
Material And Methods:
Sixty-six children aged from 3 to 21 years old, all patients of the Paediatric Surgery Clinic of the Medical Academy in Białystok, were evaluated. The hospital records were reviewed and data was obtained from parents, using a questionnaire designed by authors. The material was classified with respect to the degree of disability using Lagergren's scale.
Results:
15 (23 %) patients had no physical or mental handicap, 18 (27 %) were moderately handicapped, 20 (30 %) were severely handicapped, 13 (20 %) were very severely handicapped.
Conclusions:
A higher spinal cord lesion, hydrocephalus and complications due to its surgical management had a negative influence on development of children born with myelomeningocele.
