Respiratory muscular strength decrease in children with myelomeningocele

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Myelomeningocele, a common spinal cord malformation, is associated with central nervous system lesions impacting respiratory movements.
• Limited research has focused on evaluating respiratory muscle strength in children with myelomeningocele.
• Understanding respiratory muscle function is crucial for managing potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess respiratory muscle force in children diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
• To compare respiratory muscle strength between children with myelomeningocele and a healthy control group.
• To investigate the influence of spinal lesion level on respiratory muscle force.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, comparing 20 children with myelomeningocele (MG) to 20 age- and gender-matched healthy children (CG).
• Respiratory muscle force was measured using maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) and maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax).
• Participants ranged from 4 to 14 years old, with lesion levels analyzed for their impact.

Main Results:

• Children with myelomeningocele exhibited significantly lower maximal respiratory pressures (Pimax and Pemax) compared to the control group (P < 0.001 for Pimax, P = 0.01 for Pemax).
• The majority of myelomeningocele cases (45%) involved the lumbosacral region.
• Patients with upper spinal lesions demonstrated notably reduced respiratory pressures (Pimax, P < 0.041) compared to those with lower spinal lesions.

Conclusions:

• Children with myelomeningocele, within the studied age range, present with diminished respiratory muscle force.
• The degree of respiratory muscle compromise is more pronounced in cases with upper spinal cord lesions.
• These findings underscore the importance of assessing and addressing respiratory muscle weakness in pediatric myelomeningocele patients.