Spina bifida in a Tertiary Health Institution: A 17-Year Experience Spina bifida in a Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract

Background: Split spine has shown a progressively changing temporal trend. It appears to be decreasing in frequency in advanced countries unlike what is observed in some Africa countries. It also appears to have different epidemiological patterns, based on ethnicity, race and geographic location. Objectives: This study aims to review the clinical profile of spina bifida patients that were operated on in a tertiary health institution in Anambra State between 2006 and 2023. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study. Records were obtained from patients’ folders, theatre and ward admission registers. Demographic data like age and sex were collected, diagnosis, presenting symptoms, operation done and complications were retrieved using the data extraction template. The data was analysed with SPSS 23, while results were presented in tables and chats. Results: A total of 83 cases were operated on within the period. Average cases per year was 4.9 while almost half of the total number of cases were seen in the first four years of study. About 74% of the patients presented within the first two years of age. They were mostly males, while the most common type was spina bifida cystica. The most common region affected was lumbosacral. Eight presented with rupture. Twenty-eight patients had CSF diversion for hydrocephalus. Ten patients had surgical site infection, while thirteen mortalities were recorded. Conclusion: There is a decreasing frequency of patients with spina bifida in the study. Lumbosacral region is still the most affected region while spina bifida cystica is the most common variant.