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Spina bifida: in the fetus, the newborn, the consequences

Spina bifida — congenital anomaly of spine and spinal cord, occurs due to not fused between the vertebrae that is formed between the lumen and part of the spinal cord with nerve roots, bulging between the vertebrae. In most cases pathology is found in the lumbosacral region, rarely in the cervical, thoracic spine. This is a very serious illness and the clinic depends on the degree of vulnerability of the nervous tissue of the vertebrae. Today spina bifida is diagnosed in 50% of all lesions of the musculoskeletal system.

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The abnormal defect can be detected in the womb, this gives you the opportunity to take preventive measures even before birth. After finding fetal abnormalities, doctors always advise to terminate the pregnancy. But, not every mother will decide on such drastic measures, so if a woman chose to give life the baby, immediately after birth is required to begin the treatment of spinal hernia, this will help prevent the presence of severe disability in the future.

Reasons

Clinic today, scientists have not been identified. But it is known that a certain role in the correct development of the fetus plays a lack of vitamins and minerals, especially in large quantities requires folic acid, for proper formation of the nervous system of the baby.

Negative influence on the formation of a hernia in the fetus has uncontrolled intake of drugs, use of alcohol drugs. Cerebrospinal fluid is formed in the first weeks of pregnancy it was during this period of time, the specific factors that may affect the appearance of hernias of the spine of the unborn baby.

Spina bifida in newborns is not a genetic disease, so do not be afraid of getting pregnant, at observance of recommendations of the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you have to be born a full-fledged toddler.

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Types and classification

The location of spina bifida is an important factor for the patient and the doctor. After all, this depends directly on human life and the complexity of treatment. Spina bifida is divided into the following types:

Hidden, manifested a mild form of the disease. Characterized by lesions of the structure of a single vertebra. People who have this type of hernia does not feel a special pain. The only place unhealthy vertebra on palpation there is a small indentation. Visually on the spot uncoupled vertebra swept hyperemia with hairs.

Herniated section, this pathology leads to serious consequences and symptoms. In addition, the protrusion not visible to the naked eye, it is classified as a neoplasm, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, nerve fibres and ligaments. In most cases, nerve processes can execute their mission fine, but if they are affected, the child born with a complex neuro — psychiatric disorders and a number of somatic diseases.

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In rare cases, each species may be accompanied by complications of the tumor. Mostly the hernia is added benign tumors lipoma. They are located on the shell of the spinal cord or on the processes of the intervertebral discs. Transform the tumor into a malignant form not time, since it is removed together with the hernia during surgery.

Classification of the disease:

  • Meningocele(meninges). For this pathology symptoms from the nervous system not observed because the brain is formed, as expected, the only visible small bump on the spinal column, covered with thinning of the skin. Symptoms were characterized by size make an issue of spinal cord with nerve roots and sheaths of the vertebral arches. The localization and content of tumors. The most encouraging prognosis of the tumor is small in size, with the only protrusion Meningocele;
  • Mielomeningocele — in this case, the protrusion of the meninges captures tissue of the spinal cord (Mielomeningocele). The nerve roots are partially included in Grajewo tumor. In consequence of which the medulla has an irregular, curved shape;
  • Mielocystocele — a very serious form of course, includes the disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid. Mielocystocele in infants is manifested by paresis of the legs, dysfunction of the organs large and small pelvis. For hernia is characterized by the accumulation of brain fluid through the large hole of the vertebral arches;
  • Rachischisis is the most severe andincurable pathology. Is the complete defeat of the sheath of the spinal cord, vertebrae and soft tissues of the body. In this case, the brain is completely on the surface and not protected by skin. According to statistics, ends flying outcome in 100% of children.

Hernia of the spinal cord with various defects of the nervous system and paresis of the lower extremities. In most cases, occurs with complications, in the form of involuntary urination and bowel movement.

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Symptoms

Hidden kind of disease is rarely manifested by any symptoms and disorders in the human body. In comparison with open cleavage:

  • Paralysis of the lower extremities, complete or partial;
  • Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain);
  • Violation of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys;
  • Violation of the nervous system: epilepsy, nervousness, loss of sensation of the body;
  • Asymmetry and unnatural location of the feet.

Diagnosis

The disease can be stated, when the baby is still in the womb. And also:

  • The pathological development of splitting vertebral discs show ultrasound in perinatal research. Indication of clinical studies of blood and amniotic fluid of the pregnant woman for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, evidence of abnormal development of the fetus;
  • After birth, the baby's spinal bulging, not visible to the naked eye. It looks like a bag, covered with a transparent skin with liquid inside secret. In rare cases, the spinal part goes to the outside;
  • For accurate diagnosis and clarify the type of hernia requires a radiological examination to detect concomitant disorders in the body are used MRI or CT diagnostics;
  • Neurological examination includes assessment of muscle tone, the force with which the baby rests the lower limbs on the surface, does the analysis of the contents of the hernia SAC.

Myelography is an additional diagnostic technique is conducted using a contrast agent, allows to give an accurate assessment of lesions of the medulla in children.

Treatment

There is an effective method for the treatment of vertebral hernia, but unfortunately it is performed only abroad. The operation is performed, when the fetus is in the womb about 20 — 25 weeks of pregnancy. The nature of surgical intervention lies in the closure of pathology in the spine. In the result, the spinal tube is returned to its place, and the vertebral gap closes. As statistics show, the consequences of prenatal intervention, the child after birth, rarely noticeable. And timely care, and executing all instructions of the doctor, ensure he lives a full and healthy man.

Russia is trying to conduct such a complex operation, but today can be counted on the fingers of specialists able to perform this procedure. So in our centers is carried out mainly post-partum surgical intervention.

Congenital spina bifida, treatable very difficult. Fully cure and put the baby on its feet is possible in rare cases. The patient should always be seen by a doctor, as the risk of complications of the disease will not disappear by itself. Upon detection of a newborn with spina bifida require emergency or elective surgery, depending on the classification of the disease.

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In most cases surgical intervention is performed in the first three days of baby's life. Some of the luminaries of science, are of the opinion that surgical intervention is not necessary. Most importantly, to make critical and correct decisions. Required to conduct a thorough study and diagnosis of the lesion taking into account all the existing risks and complications after surgery.

To completely cure the child will not work, but to alleviate his condition and create adequate conditions of quality of life by using surgical treatment will be 100%.

Prevention

Recall that for the formation of the spinal cord, the fetus requires vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid. Therefore, the basis of preventive measures includes healthy eating. The intake of multivitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy. First week of pregnancy to refuse to accept any medicines. Among other things, protect yourself from the use of household chemicals: washing tool for dishes, various powders and perfumes.