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Prognosis for fetuses with antenatally detected myelomeningocele

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2008

Stephen Sturgiss  and
Stephen Robson
Stephen Sturgiss*
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Stephen Robson
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
*
Dr SN Sturgiss, Department of Fetal Medicine, Leazes Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
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Extract

The ultrasound diagnosis of myelomeningocele has been greatly improved by the recognition of associated abnormalities in the fetal skull and brain, potentially leading to an increased number of cases detected during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the counselling of potential parents about the natural history and prognosis of myelomeningocele is frequently based on extrapolations from data in which the diagnosis was made following delivery. Moreover, much of this information predates recent advances in paediatric care. In 1981, Leonard stated “as most children (with myelomeningocele) will grow to be productive, participating adults, then perhaps we should consider myelomeningocele a new disease”1. It is, therefore, appropriate to review recent outcome data for children with myelomeningocele, emphasising those studies where the diagnosis was made before delivery. This review will concentrate on issues of particular concern to the perinatal obstetrician, such as the reliability of sonographic diagnosis, the frequency of karyotypic anomalies, the likely longterm infant outcome and the most appropriate mode of delivery.

Type
Articles
Information
Fetal and Maternal Medicine Review , Volume 7 , Issue 4 , November 1995 , pp. 235 - 249
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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