Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: May | Volume: 4 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 100-104
Clinical Profile of Spina Bifida Cystica: Six-Year Review from a Regional Centre, in Nigeria
Nasiru Jinjiri Ismail, Ali Lasseini, Aliyu Muhammad Koko, Bello B. Shehu
Regional Centre for Neurosurgery (RCN) UDUTH, Sokoto. Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Nasiru Jinjiri Ismail
ABSTRACT
Background: Spina bifida cystica are the commonest congenital central nervous system anomalies compatible with life. Myelomeningocele can be associated with lifelong morbidity and mortality. Neural tube defects are abnormalities affecting neural tube fusion and occur between 18-21 days of gestation.
Genetic and environmental factors come together to cause neural tube defects. Preconception folic acid is paramount in preventing these disturbing anomalies.
Aims and objectives: The study aimed to describe the clinical pattern of cases of spina bifida in our centre and to determine the prevalence of hydrocephalus in patients with myelomeningocele.
Method: medical records of all patients with myelomeningocele and meningocele treated at department of Neurosurgery during the year 2011-2016 were reviewed. Biodemographics, clinical history and examination findings, associated anomalies were analysed.
Results: we had two hundred and forty-six patients over six-year period. Males were 56.5% and M: F ratio was 1.3:1. The mean age of presentation was two months. About sixty-five percent presented with ulcerated lesion, which were treated with antibiotics and dressing before excision and repair. There was history of maternal febrile illness in 83.7% of cases. Myelomeningocele was the most common lesion (84.6%), 15.4% had meningocele. About forty-eight percent had both hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele. All patients had excision, repair, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for associated hydrocephalus.
Conclusion: Health education and health insurance scheme is strongly advocated; as a tool in prevention and treatment of neural tube defects.
Key words: Spina bifida cystica, Myelomeningocele.
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