Spina Bifida is a birth defect with a great variation of symptoms between individuals. Many of the patients have physical signs such as leg weakness or paralysis and bladder and bowel control problems, among other issues.
As there is no cure, there is a need to consider the child, adolescent and adult patient’s different concerns in life. It is of highest importance that both bladder and bowel management therapy is re-evaluated on a continuing basis and adapted to the growing persons needs in life.
These articles cover different aspects of bladder and bowel management in young people with Spina Bifida.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27977546
Mosiello G, Marshall D, Rolle U, Cretolle C, Santacruz B, Frischer J, Benninga M. EU and US.
A review gathering all clinical data on transanal irrigation (TAI) in children.It also concludes a consensus of best practice with a suggested treatment pyramid.
The most important aspects for a successful outcome with TAI in children are careful patient selection, a tailored approach, directly supervised training, and sustained follow-up.
A review of TAI in children with considerations of best practice.
http://www.jpurol.com/article/S1477-5131(16)30041-9/abstract
Grimsby GM, Burgess R, Culver S, Schlomer BJ, Jacobs MA. US.
Observational survey evaluating barriers in transition to independent care. 79 young adults with neurogenic bladder (e.g. spina bifida) were included.
The majority of patients (73%) followed routines in transitional care. Among those who missed clinic appointments, health insurance coverage related reasons were common (47%).
Study indicating that young adults with spina bifida need guidance during transition to independent care.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28065810
Chaudhry R, Balsara ZR, Madden-Fuentes RJ, Wiener JS, Routh JC, Seed P, Ross SS. UK.
Observational retrospective study of urinary tract infection (UTI) risk patterns in 194 patients with neurogenic bladder secondary to spina bifida/tethered cord.
Frequent (>1.0 UTI/study-year) infections were observed in 25% of the patients. They were more common in younger patients and in those with higher level lesions. The UTI risk was found to decrease by 7% every year.
Study exploring UTI risk factors associated with intermittent catheter use among spina bifida patients. Age was identified as the most important UTI risk factor.
Don't forget to download the highlight article - consensus review of best practice of transanal irrigation in children.
This blog post is an extract from the Science Alert from January 2017 (76040-USX-1701)