Outcome in people with open spina bifida at age 35: prospective community based cohort study

Abstract
Introduction The introduction of the cerebrospinal fluid shunt led to a fourfold increase in survival of babies with open spina bifida in the United Kingdom.1 In 1963 a prospective independent review was set up to record the results and implications of the new treatment.2 3 Such data are crucial to the dilemmas associated with termination of affected pregnancies or treatment at birth.4 We investigated survival, disability, health, and lifestyles in a complete cohort of adults with spina bifida.