[Urological problems in patients with meningomyelocele. Diagnostic studies and management]
1Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Langenbeck-Strasse 1, Mainz, Germany. Stein@urologie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Insights
Management of pediatric meningomyelocele has improved with antimuscarinic agents, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), and antibiotic prophylaxis for neurogenic bladder. This consensus paper outlines optimized, interdisciplinary care pathways for these complex patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Context:
- Meningomyelocele management has evolved significantly since the 1980s.
- Neurogenic bladder in children presents complex challenges requiring multidisciplinary input.
Purpose:
- To provide an interdisciplinary consensus on the management of pediatric meningomyelocele.
- To outline definitions, classifications, and investigation timelines.
- To detail conservative and surgical treatment options.
Summary:
- Pharmacotherapy (antimuscarinic agents), clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), and antibacterial prophylaxis have revolutionized neurogenic bladder care.
- Optimized therapy necessitates collaboration among neonatologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, urologists, nephrologists, orthopedists, and surgeons.
- The paper reviews orthopaedic management, latex allergy, bowel management, UTIs, sexuality, fertility, and long-term compliance.
Impact:
- Establishes a comprehensive framework for the interdisciplinary care of pediatric meningomyelocele.
- Aims to improve therapeutic outcomes and quality of life for affected children and their families.
- Provides essential guidance for healthcare professionals involved in managing this condition.
Abstract:
Since the 1980s the management of children and adolescents with meningomyelocele has undergone major changes. The introduction of pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinic agents, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and antibacterial prophylaxis has revolutionized the management of children with neurogenic bladder. The co-operation between neonatologists, neurosurgeons, paediatric neurologists, paediatricians, paediatric urologists, paediatric nephrologists, paediatric orthopaedists and paediatric surgeons is necessary to achieve an optimized therapy in each individual patient. In this interdisciplinary consensus paper we provide definitions and classifications as well as a timetable for the appropriate investigations. The conservative and surgical options are explained in detail. A short review is given concerning orthopaedic management, incidence of latex allergy, options for bowel management, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, problems with sexuality and fertility as well as the long-term compliance of these patients and their relatives.
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