3 major issues with prenatal and postnatal spina bifida surgery
DESCRIPTION
Learn more about Spina Bifida at http://www.spinabifida.netTRANSCRIPT
Scientific and Common Name
Scientific name as well as common name is Spina Bifida
However the 3 types are calledSpina Bifida Occulta-
HiddenMeningocele-
Meninges push through hole of the back
Myelomeningocele-Spinal cord and meningies push through hole of the back
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
Cause and Transmitted Spina Bifida is caused by the failure
of the babies spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy
Most cases there is no familial connection
Low levels of folic acid before and during pregnancy possibly partake in the cause
Consume 0.4 mg per day through out first trimester Eggs, Orange juice, Dark green leafy vegetables
Theory that viruses might play a role, since there is a higher rate of this defect in newborns during winter months
High fever in pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk
Women with epilepsy who have taken Valpriolic acid increases risk as well
Targeted Population No specific targeted population, anyone
can get it 1 out of 800 babies are affected To reduce changes, it is
recommended to take folic acid
Women who have epilepsyand take valpriolc acid to control seizures have a higher risk
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
Where and How
This condition can affect the entire length on the CNS, including the brain as well as the entire spine
Most cases have lots of brain abnormalities, resulting in hydrocephalus
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
Symptoms Spina Bifida Occulta has no outward signs or
symptoms besides a birthmark on the lower spine
Spina Bifida ManifestaLoss of bladder/bowel controlLoss of sensationPossibly paralysis of legsWeakness in hips, legs, and feetPossible abnormalities in feetHydrocephalusMeningitisUTI’s
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
Prognosis Most individuals live well into adulthood
depending on how bad their condition is Usually this condition can be surgically
corrected if needed Problems occur later in life, as the individual
hits puberty-More loss of function-Orthopedic problems-Foot/ankle deformities-Dislocation of hips
Most individuals use a wheelchair,walker, or crutches
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
Vaccine or Treatment
There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disorder Spina Bifida Occulta is hidden and leaves people unaffected There are two common treatments for Spina Bifida Manifesta
-Prenatal- Surgery is taken place between 19 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus is opened up to where the baby’s back is in sight and the sac is removed. The fetus and mother are then examined and followed up with weekly ultrasounds. There is a planned cesarean birth at 37 weeks.
-Postnatal- The same surgery is taken place but 24 to 48 hours after a cesarean birth at 37 weeks. A cesarean birth is planned incase a sac is present.
Prenatal treatment is proven to be the most beneficial though most dangerous
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net
©2011 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Visit www.chop.edu for more information.
Resources
http://www.spinabifida.net An educational resource about Spina Bifida