STUDIES IN SPINA BIFIDA CYSTICA: I GENERAL SURVEY AND REASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM

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Abstract
A study was made of 307 consecutive cases of spina bifida seen over a 10-year period. Spina bifida cystica is more serious in females than males. In instances of myelomeningocoele 40% of the females survived as opposed to 46% of the males. Surgical repair of the spinal defect greatly reduces the risk of death from meningitis and produces no added risk of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in these cases is usually associated with an extensive malformation of the hindbrain and if arrested either spontaneously or surgically the intellectual status of most survivors is normal. In this study, 33% of the 156 known survivors show no significant neurological disability. Cases of urinary infection and bed sores have occurred in the majority of cases. The findings suggest that the number of infants born with spina bifida cystica who can live worthwhile lives is proportional to the amount of medical and surgical care given them.
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