Does caesarean section delivery improve neurological outcome in open spina bifida?

Abstract

The antenatal diagnosis of fetuses with myelomeningocele (MMC) has focused the attention of those involved in the perinatal care on caesarean section delivery as a possible method of preserving neurological function. In this paper 25 infants with MMC were studied, 10 delivered by pre-labour caesarean section (PL C/S), and 15 by other methods. No difference in motor function was observed post natally with 50% of each group having neurological levels below L3. The PL C/S group was more heterogeneous. The feasibility of selecting a group of less impaired fetuses with good in utero leg movements for PL C/S in order to preserve neurological function depends on the ability of fetal USS to predict post natal neurological function. This preliminary report leaves unanswered the question whether C/S delivery improves neurological outcome in selected cases of open spina bifida.

• Authors: A E Hill, F Beattie
• Journal: European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie (Eur J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 4 Suppl 1 Pg. 32-4 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0939-7248 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7766550 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Cesarean Section
• Extraction, Obstetrical
• Female
• Fetal Movement (physiology)
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Meningomyelocele (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Motor Neurons (physiology)
• Neurologic Examination
• Pregnancy
• Prognosis
• Spina Bifida Cystica (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Spinal Cord (physiopathology)
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal