Continuing Medical Education

Spina bifida: A multidisciplinary perspective on a many-faceted condition

Graham Fieggen, K Fieggen, C Stewart, L Padayachy, J Lazarus, K Donald, S Dix-Peek, Z Toefy, A Figaji

Abstract


Open spina bifida or myelomeningocele (SBM) is the most common birth defect involving the central nervous system, second only in incidence to congenital cardiac disease. Outcomes in this disorder were poor until the mid-20th century, when modern neurosurgical techniques (closing the lesion and treating hydrocephalus) and treatment for the neuropathic bladder addressed the major causes of mortality, although SBM may still be poorly treated in the developing world. Initial management – or mismanagement – has a profound impact on survival and long-term quality of life.


Authors' affiliations

Graham Fieggen, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

K Fieggen, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

C Stewart, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town and Fetal Medicine Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

L Padayachy, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

J Lazarus, Division of Urology, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

K Donald, Division of Developmental Paediatrics, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

S Dix-Peek, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

Z Toefy, Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

A Figaji, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Spina Bifida Clinic, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

Full Text

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Keywords

Spina bifida

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2014;104(3):213-217. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.8079

Article History

Date submitted: 2014-02-17
Date published: 2014-02-20

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