Pattern and factors affecting management outcome of spina bifida cystica in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND

AND OBJECTIVE:
There is paucity of data on the pattern and factors affecting the management outcome of patients with spina bifida cystica in the Ife-Ijesa zone, Nigeria. This study was designed to address this research question.

METHOD:
One hundred and six consecutive cases of spina bifida cystica who presented in our hospital from January 1990 to December 2004 were reviewed. We obtained information on sociodemographic factors, medical history and management as well as clinical outcome. SPSS was used to analyze the data.

RESULT:
Males constituted 54.7% and females 45.2% of cases. Mortality was high in those presented after the 4th week of life (p = 0.04). The malformation occurred in the lumbar and lumbosacral regions in 77.4%. Myelomeningocele was the most common type (86.8%). Hydrocephalus was recorded in 53.8% of patients. Surgical closure was done for 91.5% of the patients. About 77% of all the patients were discharged while 22.7% died. This was significantly related to age at presentation (p = 0.04) and infection before surgery (p = 0.045). Postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with ruptured lesions (p = 0.025), a larger size of defect (p = 0.028) and a lower birth weight (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION:
Myelomeningocele is the most common type of spina bifida cystica in our environment. Late presentation and preoperative infection are associated with high mortality in our patients.Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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Author information

Author/s: Alatise, O I (OI); Adeolu, A A (AA); Komolafe, E O (EO); Adejuyigbe, O (O); Sowande, O A (OA);

Affiliation: Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Pediatric neurosurgery (Pediatr Neurosurg), published in Switzerland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 42 (issue 5) : pp 277-83

Dates: Created 2006/08/11; Completed 2006/10/20;

PMID: 16902338, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Abnormalities, Multiple
Birth Weight
Family - psychology
Female
Folic Acid - administration & dosage
Hospital Mortality
Humans
Hydrocephalus - epidemiology; surgery
Infant, Newborn
Male
Meningomyelocele - epidemiology; surgery
Nigeria - epidemiology

Nigeria - epidemiology
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Phytotherapy - utilization
Postoperative Complications - epidemiology
Prenatal Care
Rupture
Sex Distribution
Spina Bifida Cystica - epidemiology; surgery
Stress, Psychological - epidemiology
Time Factors
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Vitamin B Complex - administration & dosage

Associated Chemicals: Vitamin B Complex (12001-76-2) ; Folic Acid (59-30-3)

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