Introduction:
Spina bifida refers to a wide range of neural tube defects (NTDs) affecting the spine and spinal cord. These defects result from the maldevelopment of the neuropore and the adjacent mesodermal and ectodermal structures during embryogenesis. Spina bifida can be classified as either open or closed type according to the presence or absence of exposed neural tissue. These are called spina bifida aperta and spina bifida occulta, respectively. Spina bifida aperta is caused by the failure of primary neurulation resulting in exposed neural tissue or meninges with or without cerebrospinal fluid leakage. It includes two main types: myelomeningocele and meningocele.
Our aim in this study is to report epidemiological data and possible risk factors of spina bifida cystica patients in our locality.
Patients & method:
A descriptive prospective and retrospective study reporting 122 babies with spina bifida cystica came to the neurosurgery clinic in Sohag university hospital between January 2009 and June 2016. We collect their epidemiological data and ask their parents about the possible factors.
Results:
In 122 patients with spina bifida cystica, the age varied from 1 day to 8 months (the mean age was 2 months ± 33 days). The study involved 66 males (54.1%) and 56 females (45.9%). Seventy one cases had associated hydrocephalus (58.2%), 33 had congenital talipus deformity (27%) and 26 cases had the associated cardiovascular disease (21.3%). Eighty nine cases (73%) were from rural area.
Conclusion:
MMC is a common disease in Sohag governorate. Both sexes were affected equally. Incidence was higher in rural areas, mothers who took medications in the first trimester and those who were not on regular folate intake. There is a higher incidence of MMC in families who had a previous baby with MMC.