Abstract:
Spina bifida arises from a congenital defect in neural tube development. Congenital hydrocephalus can accompany spina bifida, and secondary hydrocephalus may develop after surgery. Congenital hydrocephalus often necessitates combined meningomyelocele and hydrocephalus surgery, while cases where combined surgery is not feasible are scheduled for subsequent hydrocephalus surgery. Our study aims to investigate the association between spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Method: Following birth, routine measurements of height, weight, and head circumference were taken for newborns with spina bifida. Babies diagnosed with spina bifida and congenital hydrocephalus were recorded. Subsequent measurements were taken on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-birth to monitor newborns' growth. During this period, newborns without congenital hydrocephalus but developing hydrocephalus within the first month were identified. A total of 175 spina bifida newborns were screened, with 31 cases of congenital hydrocephalus identified. Of these, 27 developed secondary hydrocephalus post-surgery, with 8 occurring in males and 15 in females during the 3rd and 4th weeks.
Findings: Our research suggests that meticulous transfontanelle ultrasound, neurological examination, and head circumference measurement should be performed, with confirmation through radiological tests by the 3rd week, and shunt recommendation if necessary. Our findings indicate that congenital hydrocephalus accompanies spina bifida in 17.7% of cases, with rates of 15.5% in males and 20% in females. Secondary hydrocephalus develops post-surgery in 18.75% of cases, with rates of 11.8% in males and 26.4% in females.
Conclusion: Routine post-operative hydrocephalus follow-up is recommended for spina bifida newborns without congenital hydrocephalus, with specific attention to hydrocephalus during the 3rd and 4th weeks.
Audience Take Away
- They will gain insight into the congenital defect in neural tube development leading to spina bifida and the potential association with congenital hydrocephalus or the development of secondary hydrocephalus after surgery
- Detailed findings of the study, including the prevalence of congenital hydrocephalus accompanying spina bifida and the development of secondary hydrocephalus post-surgery, are presented. The audience will understand the rates of occurrence in both male and female newborns and the timing of secondary hydrocephalus development
- The presentation concludes by summarizing the findings and recommending routine post-operative hydrocephalus follow-up for spina bifida newborns, particularly focusing on hydrocephalus during the 3rd and 4th weeks post-surgery
- Overall, the audience will gain comprehensive knowledge about the association between spina bifida and hydrocephalus, the surgical considerations and follow-up recommendations for newborns with these conditions, and the importance of early detection and intervention
