Adults with spina bifida: A cross-sectional study of health issues and living conditions

Changes and Needs Experienced by People Aging With Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Thanks to medical advances, the life expectancy of people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus (SB/H) has increased considerably. However, little is known about their experience of aging, and few resources exist to support their transition into older age and to promote an active and fulfilling aging process. This study thus aimed to describe the changes and needs of people aging with SB/H.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This qualitative descriptive study is the initial phase of an action research project designed to develop a toolkit to support transitioning to older age with SB/H. To explore changes and needs associated with aging, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 people living with SB/H in Canada. A thematic content analysis based on the Framework Method was conducted using an inductive approach. The COREQ checklist was used to promote explicit and comprehensive reporting of the results.

RESULTS

Changes associated with aging covered 3 themes: participation (e.g., mobility, leisure, domestic activities, employment), physical functioning, and psychological functioning. Participants experienced psychological changes differently (e.g., increased resilience or anxiety). Regarding participants' needs, 6 themes were identified: preserving health and well-being; maintaining participation; accessing the built and natural environment; awareness and education about aging with SB/H; information and access to health care services; and social and community services.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The results highlight the diversity of aging experiences among people living with SB/H. A better understanding of their needs will support inclusive practices aimed at promoting lifelong participation and fostering transitions to active and fulfilling aging.

Memory in Spina Bifida, from Childhood to Adulthood: A Systematic Review

Background: Spina bifida (SB) is a rare congenital disease characterized by not only physical but also neuropsychological disturbances. Among these neuropsychological impairments, memory deficits are a significant concern, as they substantially hinder aspects of crucial importance in the lives of individuals with SB such as medical needs or daily life activities. The main objective is to conduct a systematic review of the current evidence on the memory deficits in the SB population, including children, adolescents, and adults. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were systematically screened for eligible studies. Results: The present review reveals cognitive difficulties in different memory types among individuals with SB. These deficits, identified in childhood, seem to persist into adulthood. Specifically, impairments are evident in short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory. The neuropsychological instruments applied in the studies that were included in this systematic review vary, however, most reach the same conclusions. Conclusions: The present findings underscore the importance of incorporating cognitive assessments, particularly those focused on the memory domain, into routine childhood evaluations for individuals with SB. Early identification of these cognitive difficulties allows for the timely implementation of cognitive interventions that could leverage the inherent plasticity of the developing brain, and prevent or delay the onset of these deficits in later adulthood for people with SB, ultimately improving their functionality and quality of life.

Health status, functioning and risk profiles for secondary health conditions in adolescents and young adults with spina bifida: a cross-sectional study at time of transition

INTRODUCTION

The transition from paediatric to adult medical care is a critical period for adolescents with spina bifida, often marked by deteriorating health and functional status.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the health status and functioning of individuals with spina bifida at the time of transition from paediatric to adult care and to identify risk profiles for potentially modifiable secondary health conditions (urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, respiratory problems and obesity).

METHODS

Descriptive study of data (derived from medical records) from all adolescents and young adults with spina bifida aged 15-25 years who were referred to a single specialised spinal cord injury centre as part of the transition programme during the period from 1 September 2015 to 31 May 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and to analyse the frequency and co-occurrence of congenital and acquired secondary health conditions. The equality of proportions test was used to test the prevalence of secondary health conditions based on important personal and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

We included 43 adolescents with spina bifida with a mean age of 18.4 years (SD 2.5); in 63% of them the neurological level was lumbar, and around 50% of them were wheelchair-dependent. The median Spinal Cord Injury Measure (SCIM) III score was 72 (IQR 61-89). The mean number of secondary health conditions at time of transition was 8.8. The most prevalent secondary health conditions were lower urinary tract dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and contractures. Respiratory problems were more prevalent in females and in individuals with lower SCIM III scores, whereas no differences were observed in the prevalence of other modifiable secondary health conditions. Clustering of secondary health conditions was mainly seen for urinary tract infection + pressure injury and for urinary tract infection + pressure injury + obesity.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of secondary health conditions among individuals with spina bifida at time of transition is alarmingly high and functional profiles underscore the need for supporting adolescents and young adults with daily medical issues. The study highlights the critical role of transition programmes and interdisciplinary follow-up care in preventing health problems and improving functioning and independence in everyday life.

Orthosis use and ambulation in adults with myelomeningocele after orthotic management from childhood

BACKGROUND

Orthotic devices are required for walking in many individuals with myelomeningocele. Evidence concerning orthosis use is sparse, partly because of heterogeneity among groups and different definitions of the neurological level.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate ambulation regarding orthosis use and satisfaction with orthoses after intense orthotic management during childhood.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design is a retrospective follow-up with a cross-sectional study at adult age.

METHODS

Participants comprised 59 persons born in 1985 or later. Ambulation was categorized as community (Ca), household (Ha), nonfunctional (N-f), and nonambulation (N-a) groups. Orthosis use was registered at approximately 5 (Age5) and 12 (Age12) years of age and in adulthood (AdultAge). Satisfaction with orthoses was evaluated at AdultAge.

RESULTS

At Age5, Age12, and AdultAge, orthoses were used by 100%, 98%, and 78% of participants, respectively. Ambulation deteriorated between Age5 and Age12 in 17% of participants and between Age12 and AdultAge in 46%. At AdultAge, 63% maintained their ambulatory function; and muscle function and hip and knee flexion contractures were strongly correlated with ambulation. The ambulation groups did not differ regarding satisfaction with device or services, except in 2 single items where the Ha group differed in ratings from the N-f and N-a groups.

CONCLUSION

The high frequency of orthosis use and similar satisfaction in all ambulation groups emphasize that early planning and follow-up of orthosis treatment during growth are important for mobility in adulthood. Our results also underline the importance of a close assessment of each individual's condition.

Cognition and emotional distress in middle-aged and older adults with spina bifida myelomeningocele

PURPOSE

To investigate cognitive functioning and emotional distress in adults aged 55 to 68 years old with spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM), both with and without hydrocephalus. A secondary aim was to explore the associations between psychosocial factors in relation to emotional distress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of eleven females and eight males with SBM, five with and twelve without hydrocephalus. Cognitive functioning was investigated with neuropsychological tests and self-report measures. Furthermore, participants completed questionnaires regarding resilience, access to social support, coping, and emotional distress. Descriptive statistics were applied, and Spearman Rho correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationships between psychosocial factors and emotional distress.

RESULTS

Eleven exhibited normal cognitive functioning. An observed difference was seen between participants with and without hydrocephalus, where six and five persons reported clinical levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. Positive perceptions of self and future were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

This study adds important information about cognitive functioning and emotional distress in an understudied population. The results indicated normal cognitive functioning in adults aged 55 to 68 years with SBM without hydrocephalus. Prevalence of emotional distress was comparable with previous studies of younger adults with SBM. There is a need for longitudinal studies investigating cognition and psychological health to fully capture important aspects of the life course of SBM with and without hydrocephalus.

Psychosocial needs and outcomes of adults with spina bifida: A scoping review, 1974-2023

Limited evidence exists that serves to guide the field of practice and research pertaining to the long-term issues and needs of adults with spina bifida. Understanding the lived experience of adults with spina bifida has lagged behind considerably resulting in limited evidence-based guidance for individuals with spina bifida and their families and the health care professionals who provide services to this population. Given the paucity of knowledge of the lived experience as it pertains to adulthood, this scoping review was undertaken. More than 10,000 records from 1974 through 2023 were screened based upon the search criteria whose purpose was to examine the research conducted the psychosocial outcomes and needs of adults with spina bifida. A total of 81 articles were included in this review. The findings of this review revealed significant gaps were apparent. There was limited data on adulthood benchmarks of employment, education, community living and social relationships. Limitations associated with the investigations of this review included underpowered samples, lack of longitudinal designs, use of instruments with insufficient psychometrics, and the use of clinical and administrative data sets not designed for research purposes. As the survival rates of individuals with spina bifida continue to improve with medical advances more robust psychosocial research pertaining to this population is needed.

Myelomeningocele: the evolution of care over the last 50 years

PURPOSE

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is one of the representative anomalies in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. During the 50 years of ISPN history, MMC had a tremendous changes in its incidence, clinical management and outcome with advanced understanding of its pathogenesis. We reviewed the changes in MMC during the period.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature review and collected our experiences.

RESULTS

During the 50 years, major changes happened in many aspects of MMC including incidence, pathoembryogenesis, folate deficiency, prevention, prenatal diagnosis, mode of delivery, treatment policy with ethical considerations, clinical treatment including fetal surgery, latex allergy, retethering, management outcome, multidisciplinary team approach, and socioeconomic and family issues.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a great advance in the management and research of MMC during the 50 years. It is a monumental achievement of pediatric neurosurgeons and colleagues of the related fields.

Impairments and comorbidities in adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Aging with a childhood-onset disability, such as cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and muscular diseases (MD), comes along with significant impairments and comorbidities. Despite the increasing evidence an overall picture is lacking. This study aimed to review the literature about adults with CP/SB/MD and impairments and comorbidities to perform a meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

Embase, PubMed, Cinahl, and Google Scholar were searched (2000-2020). Search terms included adults with one of the aforementioned disabilities combined with impairments and comorbidities. If specific impairments or comorbidities were reported by at least four studies, these were included in the study. Pooled prevalence (95% Confidence Interval) of impairments/comorbidities were calculated.

Results

The search yielded 7,054 studies of which 95 were included in the meta-analysis (64 CP, 31 SB, 0 MD). In total estimates were calculated for 26 (CP) and 11 (SB) outcomes. In adults with CP, pain [56.4% (95%CI 48.8-63.8)], deformities [44.2% (95%CI 12.9-78.4)], intellectual disability [37.2% (95%CI 26.7-48.3)], and fatigue [36.9% (95%CI 24.6-50.1)] were most prevalent; renal disease [3.0% (95%CI 2.1-4.2)] and stroke/rheumatic diseases {4.8% (95%CI 3.4-6.5; 4.8% (95%CI 1.5-9.9)] respectively} were least prevalent. For adults with SB, bladder incontinence [60.0% (95%CI 50.5-69.2)], bowel incontinence [49.2% (95%CI 34.5-64.0)], pain [44.1% (95%CI 27.4-61.5)], and sleeping problems [30.3% (95%CI 4.7-65.8)] were most prevalent; diabetes [4.8% (95%CI 2.8-7.3)] and renal disease [8.7% (95%CI 2.0-19.9)] were least prevalent. The included studies showed large heterogeneity.

Conclusions

More research is needed to study health issues in adults with MD. Adults with CP or SB deal with a variety of health issues. More attention for the mental health of these adults is needed. There also is a need for accessible and adequate screening, preventive measures and clinical follow-up.

Physical function and activity, pain, and health status in adults with myelomeningocele after orthotic management from childhood: a descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with myelomeningocele (MMC) exhibit neurological deficits below the lesion level involving both motor and sensory functions. Ambulation and functional outcomes in patients offered orthotic management since childhood were investigated.

METHODS

Physical function, physical activity, pain, and health status were assessed in a descriptive study.

RESULTS

Of 59 adults with MMC, aged 18-33 years, 12 were in the community ambulation (Ca), 19 in the household ambulation (Ha), six in the non-functional (N-f), and 22 in the non-ambulation (N-a) groups. Orthoses were used by 78% (n = 46), i.e., by 10/12 in the Ca, 17/19 in the Ha, 6/6 in the N-f, and 13/22 in the N-a groups. In the ten-metre walking test, the non-orthosis group (NO) walked faster than those wearing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or free-articulated knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO-Fs), the Ca group faster than the Ha and N-f groups, and the Ha group faster than the N-f group. In the six-minute walking test, the Ca group walked farther than the Ha group. In the five times sit-to-stand test, the AFO and KAFO-F groups required longer than the NO group, and the KAFO-F group longer than the foot orthosis (FO) group. Lower extremity function with orthoses was higher in the FO than the AFO and KAFO-F groups, higher in the KAFO-F than the AFO group, and higher in the AFO group than in those using trunk-hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses. Functional independence increased with ambulatory function. Time spent in physical recreation was higher in the Ha than the Ca and N-a groups. There were no differences between the ambulation groups in rated pain or reported health status.

CONCLUSION

The physical function results in persons with MMC improve our understanding of this population's heterogeneity and shed light on the importance of individualized orthotic management. The similarities between the various ambulatory levels in physical activity, pain, and health status may mirror opportunities to achieve equal results regardless of disability level. A clinical implication of the study is that orthotic management is likely to be beneficial for the patient with MMC of which the majority used their orthoses for most time of the day.

Pregnancy in spina bifida patients: a comparative analysis of peripartum procedures and complications

PURPOSE

Spina bifida (SB) is caused by a failure in neural tube closure that can present with lower extremity sensory deficits, paralysis, and hydrocephalus. Medical advances have allowed increased pregnancies among SB patients, but management and pregnancy-associated complications have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective is to delineate peripartum procedures and complications in patients with SB.

METHODS

A national de-identified database, TriNetX, was retrospectively queried to evaluate pregnant SB patients and the general population. Procedures and complications were investigated using corresponding ICD-10 and CPT codes within 1 year of pregnancy diagnosis.

RESULTS

11,405 SB patients were identified and compared to 9,269,084 non-SB patients. SB patients were significantly more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (1.200; 95% CI [1.133-1.271]) and less likely to receive neuraxial analgesia (0.406; 95% CI [0.383-0.431]). Additionally, patients with SB had an increased risk of seizures (3.922; 95% CI [3.529-4.360]) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (3.490; 95% CI [3.070-3.969]). Risks of preeclampsia and hemorrhage were comparable. SB patients with hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) or type 2 (CM-2) were compared to patients without these comorbid conditions. This sub-group analysis showed a significantly increased risk of having cesarean deliveries (SB with hydrocephalus: 12.55%, S.B. with CM-1 or CM-2: 12.81% vs. SB without hydrocephalus or CM, 6.16%) and VTE (3.74%, 2.43% vs. 0.81%). There were also increased risks of hemorrhage and seizures and decreased use of neuraxial analgesia, but the sample size was insufficient.

CONCLUSION

SB patients were more likely to undergo cesarean section and exhibit peripartum complications compared to those without SB.

Factors affecting the transition to adulthood of Korean young adults with spina bifida: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Transition to adulthood to live independently while self-managing health and daily life without parental help is crucial for young adults with chronic conditions. Despite its importance as a precursor to effectively managing lifelong conditions, little is known about the experiences of young adults with spina bifida (SB) in transition to adulthood in Asian countries. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Korean young adults with SB to identify the facilitators or barriers to the transition from adolescence to adulthood from their perspectives.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative descriptive design. The data were collected in South Korea through three focus group interviews with 16 young adults with SB, aged 19-26, from August to November 2020. We conducted a qualitative content analysis using a conventional approach to identify the factors that facilitated and hindered the participants' transition to adulthood.

RESULTS

Two themes emerged as facilitators and barriers to the transition to adulthood. a) Facilitators: understanding and acceptance of SB, acquiring self-management skills, parenting styles encouraging autonomy, parents' emotional support, school teachers' thoughtful consideration, and participation in self-help groups. b) Barriers: overprotective parenting style, experience of being bullied by peers, damaged self-concept, concealing one's chronic condition from others, and the lack of privacy in school restrooms.

CONCLUSIONS

Korean young adults with SB shared their experiences of struggling to properly manage their chronic conditions on their own, particularly concerning regular bladder emptying, during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. To facilitate the transition to adulthood, education on the SB and self-management for adolescents with SB and on parenting styles for their parents are important. To eliminate barriers to the transition to adulthood, improving negative perceptions of disability among students and teachers and making school restrooms CIC-friendly are needed.

Anxiety, depression, and fatigue in middle-aged and older persons with spina bifida: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To study psychological distress and fatigue among persons with spina bifida (SB) 50 years or older and living in Norway.

METHODS

In 2017, cross-sectional data were collected (n = 30). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and Spearman correlations were performed. Relevant information from previous studies on adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and the general population, were collected for comparison.

RESULTS

Participants were 18 women and 12 men, mean age 57.5 (SD 5.6), 26 with myelomeningocele, and six with hydrocephalus. Thirty percent scored above the HADS-A- and 20% above the HADS-D thresholds, thus in the same range as previous studies of SB, but higher compared to persons with SCI and norms. HADS-D correlated with pain and FSS scores. Forty percent reported fatigue symptoms (9/15 without hydrocephalus, 3/6 with hydrocephalus).

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a high prevalence of fatigue symptomatology among middle-aged and older adults with SB. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more common than among persons with chronic SCI and norms. SB follow-ups should include awareness of psychological distress and fatigue, and investigate pain and medication side effects among possible influencing factors.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONClinicians treating adult persons with SB should be aware of possible psychological distress and fatigue symptomatology among these patients.We suggest an initial screening for psychological distress and fatigue in persons with SB during follow-up visits and rehabilitation.Interventions to reduce pain may influence levels of psychological distress and/or fatigue in patients with SB.Clinicians should enquire about the effects of medication on fatigue when assessing and prescribing new medications; a thorough medication review helps to assess the benefits and risks.

Nurse-led eHealth transition care program for adolescents with spina bifida: A feasibility and acceptability study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-led eHealth transition care program for adolescents with spina bifida.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study used a single-arm, pretest-posttest intervention study. Adolescents with spina bifida, aged 12-15 years, and their parents participated in the program. A 6-week program was delivered through an online platform in real-time by nurses. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability using criteria such as the completion rate, program satisfaction, changes in transition readiness, social support, career preparation behavior, sexual knowledge, and sexual worries at three time points from July to September 2021.

RESULTS

Thirteen adolescents completed all sessions and surveys (13/14, 92.9%). All adolescents expressed high satisfaction with both the content and delivery methods of the program. Significant benefits in transition readiness, career preparation behavior, and sexual knowledge were identified over the study period. However, the evaluation of social support and sexual worries did not demonstrate any significant improvements. Additionally, through family counseling, adolescents benefited from experiences such as reflecting on their current transition readiness, setting and achieving individualized goals and plans using a self-checklist with their parents and nursing professionals.

CONCLUSION

This nurse-led eHealth intervention was feasible and acceptable for adolescents with spina bifida. Furthermore, our results highlight the practicability and the potential for strategic dissemination of using this eHealth program in transitional care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The eHealth transition care program contributes to broadening existing nursing interventions not only in medical areas but also in daily life areas.

Evidence-based position paper of the UEMS PRM on the role of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician in the management of children and adults with spinal dysraphism

Spinal dysraphism (SD) or spina bifida (SB) is a congenital deformity that results from embryonic neural tube closure failure during fetal development. This evidence-based position paper represents the official position of the European Union through the UEMS PRM Section. This paper aims to evaluate the role of the physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) physician and PRM practice for children and adults with spinal dysraphism. A systematic literature review and a consensus procedure involved all European countries delegates represented in the UEMS PRM section through a Delphi process. The systematic literature review is reported together with thirty-two recommendations resulting from the Delphi procedure. The professional role of the PRM physician requires specific expertise in the treatment of patients with SD to plan, lead and monitor the rehabilitation process in an interdisciplinary setting and to participate in the assessment of the needs of these patients in the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, with particular attention to the activity limitation and participation restriction.

Gait and dynamic balance in adults with spina bifida

BACKGROUND

Spina bifida (SB) is a complex congenital malformation, often causing impaired gait performance depending on the level and extent of malformation. Research regarding gait and balance performance in adults with SB, has not been sufficiently described yet.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the characteristics of spatiotemporal gait parameters and balance performance in adults with SB? Further, do persons with muscle function (MF) level 3 differ regarding gait and balance performance from those with MF level 1-2?

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study at an outpatient clinic. 41 adults with SB (18-65 years), who walked regularly. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait was assessed with the APDM system and balance performance with the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest). Muscle strength in the legs was assessed with 0-5 manual muscle test, and participants were classified according to level of MF into groups MF1, MF2, and MF3. Two-sided t-test was used for parametric independent variables, and Cohen's d was used for effect sizes. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-parametric independent data and effect size was calculated by the z value (r = z/√n).

RESULTS

Mean gait speed was 0.96 (SD 0.20) m/s and mean stride length 1.08 m (SD 0.17), individuals with MF3 showed significantly slower gaitspeed and shorter stride length (p < 0.05). Lumbar rotation was 21° (SD 11), and thoracic lateral sway 15° (IQR 15) with significantley difference (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) for individuals in MF3. Mini-BESTest showed a mean score of 11.3 (SD 6.9), and individuals with MF3 showed significantly lower scores (p ≤ 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

Gait and balance performance was reduced compared to normative data in almost all parameters, especially in persons with less muscle function. Increased knowledge from advanced gait analysis may help healthcare professionals to design rehabilitation programmes, in order to achieve and maintain a sustainable gait and balance performance.

Estimating the prevalence of neurosurgical interventions in adults with spina bifida using the Health Facts data set: implications for transition planning and the development of adult clinics

OBJECTIVE

As the care of patients with spina bifida continues to evolve, life expectancy is increasing, leading to a critical need for transition planning from pediatric-based to adult-based care. The burden of neurosurgical care for adults with spina bifida remains unknown. In this study, the authors sought to use a large national data set to estimate the prevalence of neurosurgical interventions in adults with spina bifida.

METHODS

This study utilized Health Facts, which is a de-identified proprietary data set abstracted from all Cerner electronic health records. It includes 69 million unique patients with > 500 million encounters in 580 centers. Validation, technical exclusions, and data filters were applied to obtain an appropriate cohort of patients. The ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for all types of spinal dysraphism, as well as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for hydrocephalus procedures, spinal cord untethering, and Chiari decompression, were queried and records were retrieved. Demographic variables along with differences in age groups and temporal trends were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,764 unique patients with ≥ 1 encounter with a spinal dysraphism diagnosis between 2000 and 2017 were identified. The pediatric cohort included 11,123 patients with 60,027 separate encounters, and the adult cohort included 13,641 patients with 41,618 separate encounters. The proportion of females was higher in the adult (62.9%) than in the pediatric (51.4%) cohort. Annual encounters were stable from 2 to 18 years of age, but then decreased by approximately half with a precipitous drop after age 21 years. The sex distribution of adults and children who underwent procedures was similar (54.6% female adults vs 52.4% female children). Surgical interventions in adults were common. Between 2013 and 2017, there were 4913 procedures for hydrocephalus, with 2435 (49.6%) adult patients. Similarly, 273 (33.3%) of the 819 tethered cord procedures were performed in adults, as were 307 (32.9%) of 933 Chiari decompressions.

CONCLUSIONS

The Health Facts database offered another option for studying care delivery and utilization in patients aging with spina bifida. The median age of this population has now reached early adulthood, and a significant number of neurosurgical procedures were performed in adults. An abrupt drop in the rate of encounters occurred at 21 years of age, possibly reflecting transition issues such as access-to-care problems and lack of coordinated care.

Evaluation of Pain in Adults With Childhood-Onset Disabilities and Communication Difficulties

Adults with childhood-onset disabilities, particularly those with central nervous system impairment, commonly experience pain. Because many such individuals have difficulties in communication, caregivers and medical professionals must identify and interpret non-verbal behaviors as indicators of pain. This process is challenging and can lead to poor outcomes through delayed or incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Most research in the evaluation of pain in individuals with neurologic impairment has focused on the pediatric population, and evidence-based guidelines do not exist for adults. The purpose of this paper is to review current recommendations for pain assessment in adults with communication impairment. This approach includes guidance for history-taking, pharmacologic review, physical examination, and the judicious use of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, we discuss adult-specific diagnoses to consider when evaluating pain in adults with childhood-onset disabilities and communication difficulties.

Orthopedic management of myelomeningocele with a multidisciplinary approach: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common and severe form of spina bifida and imposes a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Recently, the multidisciplinary management of MMC has become popular. Herein, we aimed to review the orthopedic management, outcomes, and complications of the of patients with MMC eyeing a multidisciplinary approach.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE to find relevant studies published before August 2020. All studies that included clinical management of MMC patients and published earlier than 2000 were considered for review on the condition that they reported at least one orthopedic intervention and the rate of complications. We excluded review articles, case reports, case series, letters, commentaries, editorials, and conference abstracts. The primary and secondary goals of our review were to report the outcomes and complication rates of multidisciplinary management for MMC patients.

Results

Twenty-six studies included data for the management of 229,791 patients with MMC and were selected. Sixteen studies reported multidisciplinary management in addition to orthopedic management. From those, 11 (42.31%) included urologic management, 13 (50%) neurosurgical management, 11 (42.31%) neurologic management, and 5 (19.23%) gastrointestinal management. All studies included postnatal operations and related management. No randomized clinical trial was found in our search.

Conclusion

Orthopedic approaches play a key role in MMC management by alleviating spinal deformities, particularly scoliosis, and hip, foot, and ankle complications. However, the most appropriate management, whether surgical or non-surgical, may vary for different patients, given disease severity and the age of patients.

Graphical abstract

Adults with spina bifida: ambulatory performance and cognitive capacity in relation to muscle function

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

Describe and compare ambulatory performance and cognitive capacity in relation to muscle function in an adult cohort with spina bifida. Also, explore factors associated with ambulation in participants with muscle function level 3.

SETTING

Specialist clinic for adults with spinal cord disorders in Stockholm, Sweden.

METHODS

A total regional cohort of adults (n = 219) with spina bifida was invited, 196 (104 women, mean age 35 years, SD 13 years) participated. Mode of mobility, cognitive capacity and muscle function were investigated. For participants with muscle function level 3, factors associated with ambulation were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In all, 84 participants (42%) were community ambulators, 22 (12%) household ambulators and 90 (46%) wheelchair users. There was a linear association between the lower degree of muscle function and scoliosis (P < 0.001). Mode of mobility varied despite similar muscle prerequisites in participants with muscle function level 3 (n = 58). Factors associated with ambulation in participants with muscle function level 3 were the absence of scoliosis, lower BMI and higher cognitive capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive capacity and mode of mobility varied widely across the cohort. However, in participants with muscle function level 3, despite similar muscular prerequisites, a large variation in the mode of mobility was found, suggesting that other factors were involved. It is important to prevent scoliosis, support a healthy lifestyle, as well as offer cognitive screening and support to promote ambulatory function and optimise independence in the everyday lives of adults with spina bifida.

Views on everyday life among adults with spina bifida: an exploration through photovoice

The aim of this study was to actively integrate expertise of persons living with spina bifida, to explore conditions embedded in their everyday life. This was important because young adults with spina bifida risk not being able to fully participate in the community on equal terms and in accordance with their own preferences. Photovoice, a community-based participatory research approach, was utilized to engage participants through dialogue and photography. An exhibition was created to share results with community and stakeholders. An overarching theme that characterized the experiences of the group was, “an adaptation for us, but it works for no one”. Findings are presented as: “Accessibility—a never-ending project,” “Tensions of a normative view,” and “Power to influence.” Findings integrated everyday life metaphors photographically depicted by broken elevators, unsafe transportation, closed doors and not experiencing real opportunities of involvement. Tensions in everyday life experienced by persons living with spina bifida can inform conditions relevant and necessary to support community participation, particulary among persons living with disability.

Cognitive challenges in persons with spina bifida: Bearing on urological dysfunctions?

Aim

To evaluate if adult persons with spina bifida (SB) who have urinary tract complications have cognitive difficulties that can be identified by neuropsychological tests.

Methods

All individuals with SB ≥ 18 years of age registered at a regional outpatient clinic (n = 219) were invited, of which, 154 persons were included. Neuropsychological assessment of their cognitive status was performed with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale®—Fourth Edition: Coding, Block design, Arithmetic's, FAS (word generation), Rey Auditory Verbal Test for learning, and delayed recall 30 min. Bladder and bowel function were assessed with questions used by the Nordic Spinal Cord Injury Registry (NSCIR) in structured interviews, by questionnaires, and by chart reviews.

Results

Average neuropsychological test results for this SB population was shown to be approximately 1 SD under the median for the general population. The Coding test showed significantly lower test results as compared with the whole SB group in persons with urinary tract complications, especially urinary tract infections, reduced kidney function, dependent emptying of the bladder, and the bowel and accidental bowel leakage. The Arithmetic's test showed a significant difference between subgroups in all parameters except reduced kidney function whereas the other neuropsychological tests were significantly correlated with some but not all urological parameters.

Conclusion

We propose neuropsychological testing with primarily two tests to find those persons with SB who, due to cognitive challenges, might need extra support to minimize urological complications.

Adults with spina bifida: A cross-sectional study of health issues and living conditions

OBJECTIVE

To describe health issues and living conditions in a cohort of adults living with Spina bifida.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team. Adults with spina bifida (n = 219) were invited to participate. One-hundred-and-ninety-six persons (104 women and 92 men; 18-73 years, median age 33 years) were included. Structured interviews, questionnaires, and clinical assessments for medical, social, physical, and cognitive functions were used.

RESULTS

There was large variation among participants as regards the consequences of their spina bifida. Individuals < 46 years seemed to have more secondary conditions such as hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation, tethered cord symptoms, and latex allergy. A higher proportion of the individuals >46 years and older was able to walk, and they had performed better in primary school and on tests of psychomotor speed and executive function.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that adults with spina bifida have a complex set of physical, cognitive, and social needs that need to be addressed in order to improve their health issues and living conditions. The high prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence, pain, and overweight underline that these issues need much attention during follow-up. The future generations of older adults may need more attention in many ways, since they at a younger age do have more complex medical conditions, lower physical and cognitive functions, and lower prerequisites for independent living and participation in society than those > 46 years today. This elucidates that adults with spina bifida need systematic follow-up services and social support throughout life.