Spinal Dysraphism in Tabriz between Years 2000-2012

Abstract

Background: Spinal dysraphism is a general term used to identify developmental spinal cord abnormalities. The most common form is known as spina bifida or “split spine.” Each year, one in a thousand babies are born with spina bifida (meningomyelocele), a malformation of the bones (vertebrae) and/or skin surrounding the spine that can lead to serious infections, problems with bladder and bowel function, hydrocephalus, and paralysis. In most cases, surgical correction of the neural tube defect can prevent such complications. This study aimed at evaluating the patients hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital of Tabriz from 2000 to 2012.

Materials and Methods: The patients with spinal dysraphism admitted and operated between the years 2000-2012 in Imam Reza Hospital of Tabriz were studied during a 9-month period. The type and location of spinal dysraphism, dermal, neurological and skeletal findings, results of surgery and complications were determined. The manifestations and complications were compared the aperta and occulta.

Results: 59 patients (33 males and 29 females) with the mean age of 1.2±4.8 years were enrolled in this study. There were 48 aperta and 11 occulta types. The most commonly involved location was lumbosacral region. The most frequent dermal, neurological and skeletal findings and operation-related complications were a sac over the back (78%), lower limb weakness (61%), scoliosis (37.7%) and hydrocephalus aggravation (18.6%), respectively. Postoperative improvements of motor weakness and sphincteric dysfunction were seen in 47.2% and 80% of the cases respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups of aperta and occulta spinal dysraphism regarding the manifestations and complications (p>0.05)

Conclusion: The aperta spina bifida is the most common type of spinal dysraphism and aggravation of hydrocephalus is the most common complication.