BMJ  2003;326 (21 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7403.0-b

Outcome varies in open spina bifida

Long term outcome in adults with open spina bifida ranges from apparent normality to severe disability. Hunt and Oakeshott (p 1365) present an update of a community based prospective study of a complete and unselected cohort of people with open spina bifida at a mean age of 35. Over half of the original cohort of 117 had died, and 20 of the 54 survivors needed daily care. Their medical treatment was provided mostly by general practitioners. The wide range of outcome reflected the extent of the original neurological deficit. Such information is important for those faced with the dilemmas associated with termination of affected pregnancies or treatment at birth.

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Outcome in people with open spina bifida at age 35: prospective community based cohort study

Gillian M Hunt and Pippa Oakeshott
BMJ 2003 326: 1365-1366. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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