Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Gait Posture 2018 Dec 6;68:300-304. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Background: Toe-walking is a normal variant in children up to 3 years of age but beyond this a diagnosis of idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) must be considered. ITW is an umbrella term that covers all cases of toe-walking without any diagnosed underlying medical condition and before assigning these diagnosis potential differential diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, peripheral neuropathy, spinal dysraphism and myopathy must be ruled out. Gait laboratory assessment (GLA) is thought to be useful in the evaluation of ITW, and kinematic, kinetic and electromyography features associated with ITW have been described. Read More

Childs Nerv Syst 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin St., Ste. 1230, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Purpose: In lower-income populations, high rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) are a concern. Nutritional folate deficiencies and mycotoxins in contaminated food supplies increase risk of NTDs. As physicians in public health and involved in the care of children with NTDs, pediatric neurosurgeons have an interest in the treatment and prevention of NTDs. Read More

J Rural Med 2018 Nov 29;13(2):105-109. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital Mito Clinical Education and Training Center, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Japan.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of curable and pseudoarthrosis stages of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis under high school students complaining of and seeking medical consultation for low back pain. We analyzed age, sex, morbidity, presence of spina bifida occulta (SBO), and competitive sport discipline of patients with lumbar spondylolysis. We then stratified their pathological stage using a modified classification system via magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Read More

Nutr J 2018 Dec 12;17(1):115. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Institute of Reproductive and Child Health / Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.

Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is known to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). We examined whether this preventive effect differs by the sex of the infant.

Methods: Data were gathered from a large population-based cohort study in China that evaluated the effects of FA supplementation on NTDs. Read More

Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere 2018 Oct 12;46(5):323-329. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

A 2-year-old male neutered mixed breed dog with a body weight of 30 kg was presented for evaluation of a soft subcutaneous mass on the dorsal midline at the level of the caudal thoracic spine. A further clinical sign was intermittent pain on palpation of the area of the subcutaneous mass. The owner also described a prolonged phase of urination with repeated interruption and re-initiation of voiding. Read More

Neural Regen Res 2019 Jan;14(1):149-155

Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.

Tethered cord syndrome is a progressive disease with a typically insidious onset in infants and children, and which can lead to persistent progress of neurological deficits and a high rate of disability without timely intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the curative effect of microsurgery in children with different types of tethered cord syndrome. In this study, we analyzed 326 patients with tethered cord syndrome, aged from 2 months to 14 years old, who were followed for 3-36 months after microscopic surgery. Read More

Neural Regen Res 2019 Feb;14(2):361-368

Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.

O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA repair enzyme, has been reported in some congenital malformations, but it is less frequently reported in neural tube defects. This study investigated MGMT mRNA expression and methylation levels in the early embryo and in different embryonic stages, as well as the relationship between MGMT and neural tube defects. Spina bifida aperta was induced in rats by a single intragastric administration of all-trans retinoic acid on embryonic day (E) 10, whereas normal control rats received the same amount of olive oil on the same embryonic day. Read More

Neural Regen Res 2019 Feb;14(2):260-261

Surgical Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Paediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis School of Engineering, Davis, CA, USA.

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

World Neurosurg 2018 Dec 6. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS, New-Delhi. Electronic address:

Background: Split cord malformation(SCM) is a rare congenital anomaly of the spinal cord. Rarely, SCM coexists with a variety of dysraphic pathologies that occurs at the same or different spinal level in an individual. Exceptionally rare, is the occurrence of SCM Type-1 and lipomeningomyelocele (LMMC) of each hemicord. Read More

Can Urol Assoc J 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.

Introduction: Baseline urodynamic characterization in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) allows detection of unsafe storage and voiding pressures and optimization of these parameters through medical or surgical intervention. Surveillance urodynamics (sUDS) studies are performed in the ambulatory setting after baseline characterization, with the goal of monitoring bladder function. How often this study should be performed and the circumstances that should prompt repeated studies are unknown. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018 Dec 10:1-6. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA.

Objectives: To summarize current evidence on the use of tocolytic medications perioperatively for open prenatal repair of fetal myelomeningocele including tocolytic agent options, regimens, efficiency, and potential risks.

Methods: A search of Medline, Embase, and SCOPUS databases was conducted from inception to March 2017. Studies that described their tocolytic protocol, gestational age at delivery, perinatal outcomes were included. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018 Dec 6. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Academic Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Objective: To assess the neurodevelopmental outcome of children with spina bifida aperta (SBA) who were treated prenatally as compared to those treated postnatally.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature comparing neurological outcomes of prenatally and postnatally repaired spina bifida in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. We retrieved all randomized and non-randomized prospective controlled studies. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2018 Nov 5. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address:

Purpose: Transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) with select mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to induce partial or complete skin coverage of spina bifida in rodents. Clinical translation of this emerging therapy hinges on its efficacy in larger animal models. We sought to study TRASCET in a model requiring intra-amniotic injections 60 times larger than those performed in the rat. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2018 ;89(11):637-641

1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.

Spina bifida aperta is a relatively common congenital defect that occurs in the general population. Once the disorder has been diagnosed, a discussion, that can be emotionally-charged, ensues about whether to treat it prenatally or to only offer surgery postnatally. Given that there are good arguments for and against both options, it is of paramount importance to gain a good understanding of the major advantages and disadvantages of the various surgical approaches. Read More

Eur J Anaesthesiol 2018 Nov 30. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

From the Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department (SM, IG, MP, RP, DB, MdN), Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department (NM, SA, EC), Paediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (CG, JAM, ML).

Background: Prenatal myelomeningocele repair by open surgery can improve the neurological prognosis of children with this condition. A shift towards a fetoscopic approach seems to reduce maternal risks and improve obstetric outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report on the anaesthetic management of women undergoing prenatal open or fetoscopic surgery for neural tube defects. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 22. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Background Context: Patients with spina bifida (SB) are at risk for pathological fractures and low bone mineral density (BMD).

Purpose And Methods: This article reviews the literature and provides a comprehensive overview of how the characteristics of SB and its associated comorbidities intersect with bone fragility to identify possible pathophysiological mechanisms of fractures and low BMD.

Results: Bone fragility occurs early in the life of patients with SB as a result of a disturbance that determines changes in bone shape, quantity, and quality, as poor mineralization reduces bone stiffness. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Purpose: To describe the development and implementation of the Children's of Alabama (COA) Spina Bifida (SB) Lifetime-Care-Model, including standardized care protocols and transition plan.

Methods: In 2010, members of the pediatric team at COA began to evaluate limitations in access to care for patients with SB at various stages of life. Through clinic surveys, observations, and caregiver report, a Lifetime-Care-Model was developed and implemented. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Colorectal and Pelvic Malformations Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that commonly causes bowel and bladder dysfunction in children with a significant negative impact on quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Fecal continence improves satisfaction and the quality of life of both children and their caretakers. Bowel management in children with spina bifida is hampered by limited controlled studies and variable practice within different institutions and subspecialists. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Division of Urology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Purpose: The era of the electronic health record (EHR) generates the ability to systematically collect and record innumerable data for complex procedures such as videourodynamic studies (VUDS). We developed a Structured Data Entry System (SDES) that would serve as a way to better standardize VUDS for both quality improvement and research capabilities.

Methods: A working group convened to design a SDES form for VUDS in a flow sheet format in our hospital's EHR, allowing for easy integration of the information into the clinical encounter note and for weekly export of data to clinicians in spreadsheet form. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Purpose: Recent studies on patients with spina bifida have noted an increased incidence of skin breakdown with more proximal functional neurologic level. We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between skin breakdown of the foot and severity of functional level of lesion, because patients with more caudal levels of lesion spend more time ambulating.

Methods: The National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) at Children's of Alabama was queried for the presence of skin breakdown of the foot, ambulatory status, functional neurologic level, and diagnosis of myelomeningocoele (MMC) vs. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to determine the age when a child with spina bifida (SB) will most likely transition from caregiver clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to self-CIC, and 2) to identify factors associated with self-CIC in children older than that age.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of individuals with SB. Data were collected prospectively as part of the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 18. Epub 2018 Nov 18.

Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

Purpose: To increase knowledge about pain and general health in adults with myelomeningocele, a health condition with several risk factors for pain such as musculoskeletal deformities, shunt dysfunctions, bowel problems, and urinary tract infections/stones.

Methods: Descriptive correlational pilot study (N= 51, 53% males). Chi-square tests were used to test associations among presence, impact, severity, and pain site in relation to sex and age. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 17. Epub 2018 Nov 17.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.

Purpose: Measuring self-management behaviors in adolescents and young adults with chronic health conditions has become a priority in health care, yet there is a paucity of instruments that capture these behaviors. The purpose of this psychometric study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the 17-item generic Adolescent/Young Adult Self-Management and Independence Scale II (AMIS II).

Method: Data were collected from 201 adolescents/young adults (AYA) with spina bifida and 129 of their parents. Read More

Transl Androl Urol 2018 Dec;7(6):941-949

Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect with many neurological implications, as well as decreased sexual function and infertility. Few studies have directly investigated infertility in men with spina bifida. Infertility in this special patient population is primarily the result of spermatogenic defects and/or failure of sperm transport due to erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. Read More

J Surg Case Rep 2018 Nov 27;2018(11):rjy319. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Black Country Vascular Unit, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK.

We describe a case of osteomyelitis in a patient with spina bifida presenting to the vascular surgeon and highlight the complex challenges encountered. We review the literature and demonstrate how good multidisciplinary care and early consideration for surgical amputation may benefit this unique group of patients. Read More

Pediatr Neurosurg 2018 Dec 5:1-5. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Background: Neural tube defects (spina bifidas or cephaloceles) are congenital malformations that can be associated with hydrocephalus. Even if the surgical management of each of these pathologies separately is well established, this is not the case for a combination of these conditions.

Aim: To report our results of simultaneous or separate surgery for the association of hydrocephalus with neural tube defect in the same patient. Read More

World J Urol 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Urology and Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Republic of Korea.

Purpose: Antimuscarinics are the first pharmacological treatment option for neurogenic bladder in children with spina bifida but side effects limit their use. Mirabegron, a new β-3 adrenoceptor agonist with a distinct mechanism of action, is a potential agent for the treatment of neurogenic bladder; however, it has yet to be studied in the pediatric population. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for treating neurogenic bladder in children with spina bifida. Read More

J Neurosurg Pediatr 2018 Oct 1:1-6. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

OBJECTIVEThe majority of children with myelomeningocele undergo implantation of CSF shunts. The efficacy of adding surveillance imaging to clinical evaluation during routine follow-up as a means to minimize the hazard associated with future shunt failure has not been thoroughly studied.METHODSA total of 300 spina bifida clinic visits during the calendar years between 2012 and 2016 were selected for this study (defined as the index clinic visit). Read More

Nutr J 2018 Nov 28;17(1):112. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Peking University Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Beijing, 100191, China.

Background: The association between maternal consumption of sprouted potato during periconceptional period on the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) or orofacial clefts (OFCs) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between maternal consumption of sprouted potatoes during periconceptional period and risks of NTDs or OFCs.

Methods: Subjects included 622 NTD cases, 135 OFC cases and 858 nonmalformed controls, were recruited from a case-control study in Shanxi Province of northern China between 2002 and 2007. Read More

Minerva Ginecol 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Introduction: Spina bifida is the most common non-lethal congenital birth defect of the central nervous system that causes chronic disability due to the combined effects of local nerve damage and the sequelae of non-communicating hydrocephalus. This abnormality can be identified early in gestation and the damage can be progressive over the course of pregnancy. Advances in fetal treatment have made minimally invasive prenatal surgery a realistic consideration for spina bifida in order to improve the outcome for children affected this condition. Read More

Rev Neurol 2018 Dec;67(11):461-463

Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

BMB Rep 2018 Sep 12. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea.

DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), a highly conserved transmembrane glycoprotein with an exo-peptidase activity, has been shown to contribute to glucose metabolism, immune regulation, signal transduction, and cell differentiation. Here, we show that DPP4 is involved in control of activin/nodal signaling in Xenopus early development. In support of this, gain of function of DPP4 augmented Smad2 phosphorylation as well as expression of target genes induced by activin or nodal signal. Read More

Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Radiology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India.

Background: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based criteria for diagnosing magnitude of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in occult spinal dysraphism are proposed.

Methods: In this prospective, case-control design study, MRI lumbosacral spine was performed in 51 subjects [pilot group (n = 10) without TCS (for defining radiological parameters), control group (n = 10) without TCS (for baseline assessment), and study group (n = 31) with spinal dysraphism (thick filum terminale [n = 12], lumbar/lumbosacral meningomyelocoele [n = 6], and lipomyelomeningocoele [n = 13])]. The parameters compared in control and study groups included oscillatory frequency (OF), difference in ratio, in supine/prone position, of distance between posterior margin of vertebral body and anterior margin of spinal cord (oscillatory distance [OD]), with canal diameter, at the level of conus as well as superior border of contiguous two vertebrae above that level; delta bending angle (ΔBA), difference, in supine/prone position, of angle between longitudinal axis of conus and that of lower spinal cord; and sagittal and axial root angles, subtended between exiting ventral nerve roots and longitudinal axis of cord. Read More

Neurocirugia (Astur) 2018 Nov 15. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Neurosurgery, Harran Üniversity, Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Electronic address:

Intradural spinal lipomas with intracranial extension are very rare and are typically diagnosed in childhood. Radical surgical excision usually causes a high rate of morbidity because of the firm adherence between the lipoma and neural tissues. In this report, we present a case of craniocervical intradural intramedullary lipoma in an adult patient. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2018 Nov 15. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Servicio de Radiología, Hospital Universitario I Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España.

Cutaneous hemangiomas are the most frequent benign tumors in children. When they affect the lumbar and perineal area some cases can be associated with an occult spinal dysraphism. The management of these hemangiomas lack consensus. Read More

Clin Neurophysiol 2018 Dec 30;129(12):2594-2601. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Objective: To evaluate the clinical significance of intraoperative bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) during untethering surgery in predicting post-operative voiding function.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent untethering surgery with available intraoperative baseline BCR. BCR response during surgery was classified into loss or maintenance. Read More

PLoS One 2018 14;13(11):e0206212. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Department of Surgery, School of medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Neural tube defects are the major causes of fetal loss and considerable disabilities in infants. Currently, there is no significant research on the incidence of Neural tube defects in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Objective: To determine the incidence and clinical pattern of the Neural Tube Defects. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2018 Nov 13. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Room 6130, PO Box 100119, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0287, USA.

Purpose: Severe constipation and encopresis are significant problems in the pediatric population. Medical management succeeds in 50-70%; however, surgical considerations are necessary for the remainder such as the antegrade continence enema (ACE). The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes following the ACE procedure. Read More

Birth Defects Res 2018 Nov 12. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformations in humans affecting the development of the central nervous system. Although NTD pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated, many risk factors, both genetic and environmental, have been extensively reported. Classically divided in two main sub-groups (open and closed defects) NTDs present extremely variable prognosis mainly depending on the site of the lesion. Read More

Niger J Clin Pract 2018 Nov;21(11):1542-1547

Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion through the insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the standard treatment for hydrocephalus. Many complications have been reported following VPS insertion. A case of extrusion of a VPS through a herniotomy wound is reported in a 4-month old male infant, who had a herniotomy performed on him by a General Practitioner (GP) for scrotal swelling. Read More

Clin Pharmacol Ther 2018 Nov 11. Epub 2018 Nov 11.

Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Technology advances have raised the outlook for regenerative solutions aimed at restoring organ health. Fetal surgery, implemented to reinstate early organ growth and restitute function in select congenital conditions, is increasingly considered with the prospect of improved postnatal outcomes. Herein, we highlight clinical prenatal interventions for rescue of fetal lung development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia and fetal neurological regeneration for spina bifida. Read More

Int J Obstet Anesth 2018 Oct 10. Epub 2018 Oct 10.

Department of Anaesthesia, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Many anaesthetists consider patients with existing neurological deficits, untreated spinal pathology or those having undergone major spinal intervention to be precluded from undergoing neuraxial anaesthesia. While this is partly rooted in fears of litigation there is also a lack of consensus of the best practice in the anaesthetic management of these patients. We present our management of a parturient who attended our institution, having a number of anaesthetic complexities including a known difficult airway, spinal fusion and persistent spinal cord tethering. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Nov 8. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an evidence - based treatment for chronic neuropathic pain, however there is a dearth of evidence investigating this modality in patients with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). We present a case of 55-year old woman with history of lipo-myelomeningocele repair and multiple detethering surgeries who presented with chronic low back and leg pain accompanied by progressive gait dysfunction. After a successful trial, she underwent SCS paddle lead placement that resulted in decrease of her visual analog scale (VAS) for pain from 9/10 to 0-2/10 as well as daily opioid intake from 90-199mg Morphine Equivalents Doses (MED) to 40-60mg MED. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2018 Oct 5. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.

Background/purpose: We sought to develop a minimally invasive intra-amniotic therapy for prenatal treatment of myelomeningocele (MMC) in an established rat model.

Methods: Time-dated pregnant rats were gavage-fed retinoic acid to induce MMC. Groups received intraamniotic injections at E17. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 Nov 8;8(11):e022565. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Objectives: Sex differences in prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) have previously been recognised; however, the different susceptibility of men and women have not been examined in relation to the effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation. We hypothesised that FA may have a disproportionate effect that alters the sex-specific prevalence of NTDs.

Setting: Data from two time points, before (2003-2004) and after (2011-2016) the start of the supplementation programme, were obtained from a population-based birth defect surveillance programme among five counties in northern China. Read More

Int Urogynecol J 2018 Nov 7. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.

Discussion and management of incontinence in a patient with spina bifida by four international experts followed by a literature review. Read More

Birth Defects Res 2018 Nov 6:e1407. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Background: The National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) was established in 2008, as a partnership between the CDC and spina bifida (SB) clinics throughout the United States. The purpose of this study is to explore the initial work of this project through a literature review of published studies from the NSBPR and provide a description of how this body of literature has developed overtime.

Methods: We included studies indexed in MEDLINE by means of PubMed from January 2009 through April 2018. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2018 Nov 7. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 East 16th Avenue, Box 323, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.

Purpose: Our center has been successfully implementing a bowel management program (BMP) for fecal incontinence consecutive to anorectal malformation and Hirschsprung disease. Recently, the number of patients with spina bifida requiring management for fecal incontinence has increased. The purpose of this study was to review the results of bowel management in patients with spina bifida and the challenges unique to this population. Read More