A Spectrum of Spina Bifida: A Study of Neurosurgery Department of DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical College, DI Khan

Abstract

Objective: To pin down the spectrum of spina bifida in infants. Materials & Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Neurosurgery Department, DHQ teaching hospital, Gomal Medical College, D.I Khan, Pakistan, from July 2021 to July 2022. A total of 100 diagnosed infants of spina bifida of either gender, who were undergoing surgery were included in the study. Demographics like; gender, name, age, cousin marriage, region, type of spina bifida (meningocele or meningomyelocele), associated with hydrocephalus, and width of the defect were noticed. Post-operatively the maximum follow-up was of 1 month for noticing the outcome and complications. Results: Of a total number of 100 infants, 76 patients were male, while 24 were female. The mean age of the patients was 913.625 days. The majority of the children (n = 59) were having myelomeningocele. The lumbosacral spine was the most common location (n = 88) for myelomeningocele/meningocele. Post-operatively, there was the development of hydrocephalus in 12 patients. Conclusion: The majority patients of with spina bifida were males. Meningomyelocele and lumbosacral location were the commonest findings. Furthermore, the lumbosacral location of the spina bifida and myelomeningocele were most commonly associated with the development of postoperative hydrocephalus.