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Urological Outcomes of Myelomeningocele and Lipomeningocele

  • Pediatric Urology (D Weiss, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Spina bifida is caused by incomplete neural tube closure during the first trimester. This condition may lead to bowel and bladder dysfunction as well as truncal weakness and motor anomalies. Presentations vary between myelomeningoceles and lipomeningoceles and may result in different outcomes. This review seeks to explore our current understanding of the variations in outcomes between individuals with myelomeningocele and lipomeningocele.

Recent Findings

Prenatal intervention has become a standard of care for prenatal diagnoses of myelomeningocele and has been shown to reduce shunt placement and improve motor skills. However, urological benefit from early intervention remains to be seen. Early surgical repair, however, may be beneficial for patients with lipomeningocele.

Summary

Literature on the urological outcomes of patients with myelomeningocele and lipomeningocele is lacking. Further research is needed to better elucidate differences in long-term urological outcomes between these two pathologies.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of California Davis Children’s Hospital, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA

    Yvonne Y. Chan, Samantha K. Sandlin & Eric A. Kurzrock

  2. Stem Cell Program, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3500, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA

    Samantha K. Sandlin & Eric A. Kurzrock

Authors
  1. Yvonne Y. Chan
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  2. Samantha K. Sandlin
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  3. Eric A. Kurzrock
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Correspondence to Eric A. Kurzrock.

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Conflict of Interest

Yvonne Y. Chan MD, Samantha K. Sandlin, and Eric A. Kurzrock each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatric Urology

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Chan, Y.Y., Sandlin, S.K. & Kurzrock, E.A. Urological Outcomes of Myelomeningocele and Lipomeningocele. Curr Urol Rep 18, 35 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-017-0684-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-017-0684-9

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