3- Spina Bifida Flashcards
Explain SB to a mother ππ OSCE Dr. Haitham π¦
Define myelodysplasia
How common is Spine Bifida?
How do we diagnose it?
List 4 different types.
MYELO-DYSPLASIA
Myelo = Spinal cord
Dysplasia = Abnormal growth
Group of neural tube deficits caused by congenital malformations of the vertebral column and spinal cord.
Primary neurulation is completed by about the 25th-day post-conception.
Ref: 2004 Lancet β Spina bifida.
The neural tube forms the early brain and spine. Spina bifida is when a babyβs spine and the spinal column do not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.
Neural tube defects (NTDs) affect 0.5 to 2 per 1000 established pregnancies
Most frequent spinal cord disorder in children
Second most common disabling condition in childhood after cerebral palsy
DIAGNOSIS
- Elevated maternal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and acetylcholinesterase in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid: 13 to 15 weeks.
- Amniocentesis shows elevated amniotic fluid AFP: 16 to 18 weeks
- Ultrasound: 16 to 24 weeks (gold standard, >90% reliability)
TYPES
Spina bifida OCCULTA:
Failure of fusion of posterior elements of vertebrae.
Spina bifida CYSTICA:
- Meningocele: protruding sac includes meninges and spinal fluid.
- Myelomeningocele: protruding sac includes meninges, spinal fluid, and spinal cord.
- Myelocele: cystic cavity in front of the anterior wall of the spinal cord.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg791-792
You are meeting 30yo female with her 1st pregnancy of child with spina bifida.
List 15 Potential complications of spina bifida ππ
What are associated CNS structural abnormalities/malformations in spina bifida?
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD
- Malformations forebrain and hindbrain
- Intellectual function
- Three times higher incidence of low IQ scores
- Higher the lesion, the lower the IQ score
- Hydrocephalus
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunting
- Complications: infection and obstruction
- Arnold Chiari malformation Type II (ACM II)
- Defined as downward displacement of the medulla and brainstem through the foramen magnum with associated kinking of the brainstem
- 80-90% of Myelomeningocele
- Hydrocephalus in 90%
- Central respiratory dysfunction
- Most frequent single cause of death in myelodysplasia
- Symptoms include stridor, central apnea, and aspiration.
- Impaired visual function
- Strabismus, lateral rectus palsy, and nystagmus
- Precocious puberty
- Secondary to premature activation of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis from increased pressure on the hypothalamus
- Short stature due to growth hormone deficienc
- Syringomyelia β Central Cord
- Pain and temperature sensory deficits
- Loss of motor function especially of the UEs
- Increased spasticity and hyper reflexia, and pain.
- Dyscoordination
- Impaired fine hand coordination and ataxia
- Malformation of the urinary system
- Renal hypoplasia; horseshoe kidney; solitary kidney; ureteral or lower tract anomalies
- Neurogenic bladder (UMN or LMN)
- Urinary incontinence, Hydronephrosis, Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia
- Neurogenic bowel (UMN or LMN)
- Fecal incontinence (80%) from poor rectal tone, absent cutaneous reflex response, and perianal sensory deficit
- Tethered cord
- Increased weakness (55%), scoliosis (51%), pain (32%), orthopedic deformity (11%), and urologic dysfunction (6%).
- Splitting (divisions) of the spinal cord
- Benign lumbosacral tumors
- Skin breakdown
- Excessive pressure, mental retardation, chronic soiling
MOTOR
- Osteoporosis
- Charcot joints
- Spine
- Secondary/kyphosis to vertebral anomalies muscle weakness
- Hip
- Hip dislocation and pelvic obliquity
- Knee
- Flexion or extension contractures
- Flexion contractures β€20 degrees is well tolerated in ambulation
- Feet
- Equinus, equinovarus, calcaneal, cavus, rocker-bottom feet, Rigid club foot
- Obesity
- Secondary to reduced daily energy expenditure and lower metabolic rate
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg795-798
List 4 risk factors other than folate. ππ
RISK FACTORS
Established
- Maternal obesity
- Pregestational maternal diabetes
- History of previous affected pregnancy with same partner
- Exposure to anticonvulsant drugs (valproic acid, carbamazepine)
- Exposure to Agent Orange
Suspected
- Low vitamin B12
- Gestational diabetes
- Maternal age <25 or >35
- Hyperthermia
- Maternal diarrhea
- Exposure to agrochemicals and pesticides
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Myelomeningocele Table 48.1 pg 1031
Prophylaxis for mother with 1 child with spina bifida and wants another child? ππ
NICE GUIDELINE (UK)
Low Risk (Usual)
400 ΞΌg or 0.4 mg/day before pregnancy and throughout the first trimester
High Risk (Hx NTD, DM, Valproic acid)
4-5 mg/day 1 to 3 months prior to conception and through the first trimester
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph11/chapter/4-recommendations#folic-acid-2
AMERICAN GUIDELINE (AAP)
4000 micrograms (4mg) one month prior to conception to end of 1st trimester.
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition
CANADIAN GUIDELINE (SOCG)
5 mg/day 3 months prior to conception + 3 months post conception.
Afterwards, 0.4 - 1 mg/day folic acid in a multivitamin onwards and postpartum period.
Ref: http://www.sogc.org/media/pdf/advisories/JOGC-dec-07-FOLIC.pdf
Mother of Spina Bifida child asking about expectation in Rolling, Crawling & Sitting ππ
π‘ Based on SCI level, thoracic? mid lumbar? or lower lumbar?
6 MONTHS
- Close to normal as children attain head control and hand play
9-12 MONTHS
- Delays become obvious
- Standing requiring adaptive equipment.
ROLLING
- Normal baby around 3-4 months
- Spina Bifida roll by 18 months with compensatory strategies
SITTING
- T12 lesions allow trunk control.
- Mid-Lumbar usually sit with some delay and increased lordosis
- L4βL5 is spared, the child can sit normally
CRAWL
- Mid-Lumbar usually crawl
- L4-L5 or sacral is spared, the child can crawl normally
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg798-799
What are the most important determines/predictors of walking in spina bifida? ππ
List 4 Other factors
MOST IMPORTANT
- Ability to achieve independent sitting (trunk control)
- Lesion Level
- Iliopsoas strength (hip flexion)
- Quadriceps strength (knee stabilization)
OTHER FACTORS
- Cognitive ability
- Motivation
- Developmental Delay
- Musculoskeletal complications (Scoliosis - Contracure - Spasticity)
- Obesity
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1042
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg800
The typical four goals or objectives in prescribing an orthotic device for a child with MMC are:
- To prevent deformity.
- To support normal joint alignment and mechanics.
- To control range of motion during gait.
- To improve function.
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1043
Spina Bifida Lower Thoracic T11βT12.
Ambulation & Assistive Devices ππ
Muscle Function
- Intact trunk muscles: Abdominal, paraspinal, and quadratus lumborum function
- Paralyzed lower limbs: Lack iliopsoas/hip flexion function.
Ambulation
- WC dependent, No ambulation
Orthoses
- THKAFO
- RGO (HKAFO)
Equipments
- Parapodium
- Standing frame
- Wheelchair
- Walker or Lofstrand crutches (swing gait patter by 4 to 5 years)
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg799 Table 10-31
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1039 Table 48.2
Spina Bifida High Lumbar L1-L2.
Ambulation & Assistive Devices ππ
Muscle Function
- L1: Weak Iliopsoas
- L2: Fair Iliopsoas, sartorius, and adductors
Mobility
- Limited household ambulation
- WC dependent for long distance
Orthosis
- RGO (HKAFO)
- Scott-Craig orthoses (Bilateral KAFOs)
Equipments
- Wheelchair
- Walker (achieved by 4 to 5 years)
- Forearm crutches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoDVZjAoh7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4oWlINIrAg
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg799 Table 10-31
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1039 Table 48.2
Spina Bifida Mid Lumbar L3-L4. Ambulation & Assistive Devices ππ
Muscle Function
- Partial lumbar plexus (L2-L4)
- Strong knee extension β Community
- L3 Weak quadriceps & hamstring β Buckling
- L4 Strong quadriceps, Weak hamstring β unable to flex knee
- Missing sacral plexus (L4-S2)
- Lack hip abduction
Mobility
- Household ambulation (forearm crutches)
- Limited community ambulation (WC for outdoor)
Orthosis
- KAFO: Weak Quadriceps β€ 3/5, β risk of buckling
- AFO: Strong Quadriceps 4/5, no risk of buckling
Equipments
- Wheelchair
- Walker
- Forearm crutches
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg799-800 Table 10-31
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1039 Table 48.2
Spina Bifida Low Lumbar L5. Ambulation & Assistive Devices π
Muscle Function:
-
Intact Lumbar Plexus L2-L4
- L1-2: Strong hip flexion (iliopsoas)
- L3: Strong knee extension (quadriceps)
- L4: Strong ankle dorsiflexion & inversion (tibialis anterior)
-
Partial Sacral Plexus L4-S2
- L5: Strong medial and lateral hamstrings, Tibialis posterior & hip abduction
- S1: Lack active hip extension and ankle plantar flexion
Mobility
- Community ambulation with forearm crutches
- Wheelchair for long-distance ambulation
Orthosis
- AFO βL5 = foot-dropβ
Equipments
- Wheelchair
- Forearm crutches
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg799-800 Table 10-31
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1039 Table 48.2
Spina Bifida Sacral S2-S3. Ambulation & Assistive Devices
Muscle Function
- S1
- Normal ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion
- Moderate ankle plantar flexion
- Moderate hip extension
- S2-S3 Gastrocnemius and soleus
Mobility
- Community ambulation
- Partial reliance on crutch or cane in adulthood for long distances
Orthosis
- Supramalleolar foot orthosis
- Foot orthosis
Equipments
- Crutch or cane
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg799-800 Table 10-31
Braddom 6th Edition Chapter 48 Spina Bifida pg1039 Table 48.2
Most frequent single cause of death in myelodysplasia. ππ
Central respiratory dysfunction
Symptoms include stridor, central apnea, and aspiration.
What are the leading factors affecting morbidity and mortality in individuals with myelomeningocele? ππ EXAM π¦
π‘ Water everywhere: brain, spinal cord, kidney.
- Hydrocephalus
- Hydromyelia
- Tethered cord
- Renal failure
- Latex hypersensitivity
- Pressure Ulcer
- Obesity
PMR Secrets 2nd Edition pg425
Spina Bifida, Types & Definition. What is the clinical relevant? ππ
Spina bifida OCCULTA:
- Failure of fusion of posterior elements of vertebrae.
Spina bifida CYSTICA:
- Meningocele: protruding sac includes meninges and spinal fluid.
- Myelomeningocele: protruding sac includes meninges, spinal fluid, and spinal cord.
- Myelocele: cystic cavity in front of anterior wall of spinal cord.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg793
Spina Bifida Occulta
Definition
How common is it?
List 4 Dermatological findings in Spina Bifida
What are some clinical findings?
Spina Bifida Occulta
- Failure of fusion of the posterior elements of the vertebral body (usually L or LS region).
- A normal variant in 5-10% of the population.
SKIN
- Dermal sinus (Tunnel)
- Sacral dimple (Hole)
- Pigmented nevus
- Hirsute patch
- Angioma (Blood)
CNS
- Normal neurological exam.
- Sacral lipoma β rare.
- Tethered cord β rare.
- Occasional bowel and bladder symptoms.
- No hydrocephalus.
- No Chiari malformation.
Cuccurullo 4th Edition Chapter 10 pg793
How prevalent is latex allergy in spina bifida?
20-65% prevalence in spina bifida.
Avoid all latex products in all spina bifida throughout life, as can develop later.
Ref: Braddom pg 1282.
List 4 Dermatological findings in Spina Bifida. Mention the type of SB. π
Meningocele. What is it? What location of spine does it affect mainly?
How common is it? Is there a risk of hydrocephalus?
DEFINITION
Bony defect of POSTERIOR ELEMENTS of vertebral body with herniation of meninges & CSF (no spinal cord).
LOCATIONS
75% LS, rest thoracic or sacral, rarely cervical.
COMMON
<10% of spina bifida cystica.
CLINICAL:
- +/- skin covering, incomplete coverage leads to CSF leak.
- normal neurological exam.
- no: hydrocephalus or chiari malformation.
- need to follow.
Ref: Cuccurullo pg 782.
Myelomeningocele ππ What is it: What location of spine does it affect mainly?
What are the clinical findings? Is there a risk of hydrocephalus?
DEFINITION
Bony defect of posterior elements of vertebral body with herniation of meninges and neural elements.
LOCATION
75% LS, rest thoracic or sacral, rarely cervical.
CLINICAL (ACM ll, Hydro & SCI)
- Arnold Chiari II malformation.
- Hydrocephalus (>90%).
- Sensory deficits.
- Motor paralysis.
- Neurogenic bowel and bladder.
Ref: Cuccurullo pg 782.
Myelocele. Definition?
Where does myelocele rank in terms of severity in spina bifida cystica?
Failure of fusion of posterior elements of spine with cystic cavity in front of the anterior wall of the spinal cord (neural elements herniate out of defect).
Most severe form.