Spina bifida natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]

Overview

Prognosis of patients with spina bifida is generally poor.
Early clinical features include:^[1]^[2]^[3]
- Weakness or paralysis in the legs.
- Urinary incontinence
- Bowel incontinence
- Sensation problems in the lower extremity
- Motor problems in the lower extrimity
- Hydrocephalus
If left untreated, 50% of patients with congenital anomalies, especially spina bifida may die soon after birth in the underdeveloped countries.^[4]
Renal failure is the commonest cause of death in patients with spina bifida.^[4]
Common complications of [disease name] include:^[4]
- Cardiac disease
- Respiratory disease
- Suicidality
- Cancer

The prognosis varies with the [characteristic] of tumor; [subtype of disease/malignancy] have the most favorable prognosis.

↑ Soonawala N, Overweg-Plandsoen WC, Brouwer OF (March 1999). "Early clinical signs and symptoms in occult spinal dysraphism: a retrospective case study of 47 patients". Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 101 (1): 11–4. PMID 10350196.
↑ Bannur BB, Purandare GM (February 1969). "Microbial production of L-lysine". Hindustan Antibiot Bull. 11 (3): 191–205. PMID 4898641.
↑ Horton D, Barnes P, Pendleton BD, Pollay M (January 1989). "Spina bifida occulta: early clinical and radiographic diagnosis". J Okla State Med Assoc. 82 (1): 15–9. PMID 2647936.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 Kozlowski BW, Taylor ML, Baer MT, Blyler EM, Trahms C (August 1987). "Anticonvulsant medication use and circulating levels of total thyroxine, retinol binding protein, and vitamin A in children with delayed cognitive development". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 46 (2): 360–8. doi:10.1093/ajcn/46.2.360. PMID 2441590.