Survey of medications for myelomeningocele patients over their lifetime in Japan.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate medication prescriptions for patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) across different age groups, particularly in adulthood and after middle age. METHODS: The Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) database, based on medical claims data, was utilized for this analysis. Patients were divided into 10-year age groups, and prescriptions for analgesics, anticonvulsants, psychotropic drugs, lifestyle disease-related drugs, drugs for urinary incontinence, and laxatives were examined. To compare the differences in the utilization of medications unrelated to lifestyle-related diseases across different age groups, the data was categorized into three age groups: 19 or under, 20-39, and 40 or older. RESULTS: Among the 556 MMC patients, the percentage of those regularly prescribed analgesics increased from 2.8% in patients ≤ 19 to 31.7% in patients 40 or older (p < 0.01). Psychotropic medication use also increased with age, rising significantly from 6.3% in patients ≤ 19 to 34.6% in patients 40 or older (p < 0.01). Patients with MMC showed an increasing trend in prescriptions for lifestyle-related disease medications compared to the normal control group. Notably, the percentage of patients in their 30 s taking hypertension medication was 4.9%, significantly higher than the 0.86% in the control group (p = 0.029). In their 40 s, 22.9% of MMC patients were prescribed hyperlipidemia medication, significantly higher than the 3.9% in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive multidisciplinary support and follow-up are crucial to enhance the quality of life for MMC patients, with particular attention to pain management, psychological care, and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases.

Is there a role in the central nervous system development for using corticosteroids to treat meningomyelocele and hydrocephalus?

INTRODUCTION: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most frequent neural tube defect and is frequently associated (around 80% of cases) with hydrocephalus (HC). Both diseases can have severe clinical consequences, insomuch as they require surgical treatment whose complications are not negligible, either when performed in utero or after birth. Therefore, clinical therapies that could have an impact on the incidence and progression of MMC and HC would be certainly valuable; however, this is not the current picture, and there are no effective pharmacological treatments for such patients to this day. AIM AND METHODS: Therefore, knowing that an inflammatory process comes associated with these disorders, mostly due to nervous tissue distension, the present article aimed at reviewing the role of corticosteroids in reducing inflammation and thus improving the outcome of patients with HC and MMC, considering the well-established anti-inflammatory effects of CS. RESULTS: The systematic review performed herein has found varying results regarding the role of steroids (even though a positive trend was observed) on the treatment and prevention of hydrocephalus, whereas for MMC. CONCLUSION: There are many reports demonstrating beneficial effects of CS therapy, from a clinical and histopathological point of view.

The role of vitamin D replacement therapy in serum FGF23 concentration in children with myelomeningocele compared with healthy children - a preliminary study.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a recently discovered bone-derived regulator of vitamin D metabolism and phosphate homeostasis. It inhibits phosphate reabsorption and calcitriol production by the kidney. Myelomeningocele (MMC) remains the most severe form of neural tube defects involving serious locomotor disability, osteoporosis and pathologic fractures. We aimed to investigate the influence of vitamin D replacement therapy on serum FGF23 concentration in children with MMC and compare the results with healthy participants. Methods This prospective analysis was conducted on 16 children with MMC and 20 healthy children. Serum FGF23 levels were measured; for the studied group, before and after vitamin D replacement therapy with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The children's medical charts were analyzed to determine age, sex, anthropometric measurements, calcium and phosphate, cholecalciferol and renal function parameters. Results There were significant differences in vitamin D and FGF23 serum concentrations between the studied groups. The median vitamin D levels in the MMC group increased during replacement therapy (7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p = 0.29) in comparison to the median of 25.5 ng/mL in the control group. In MMC children we found a significant decrease in median serum FGF23 after vitamin D replacement therapy (from 42.1 to 0 RU/mL, p < 0.001). FGF23 correlated positively with albumin, serum and urine phosphate levels and negatively with alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions 1. Serum concentration of FGF-23 is increased in MMC children in comparison to a healthy control group. 2. Vitamin D replacement therapy decreases FGF23 concentrations in MMC children, although further studies are still warranted to gain detailed insight on the FGF23 in the MMC population. 3. Children with MMC present vitamin D deficiency. Nutrition supplemented with low doses of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (intakes reaching recommended daily allowances) was insufficient to correct 25(OH)-D level in that population of patients.

Indomethacin Dosing and Constriction of the Ductus Arteriosus During Open Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele Repair.

INTRODUCTION: The use of perioperative tocolytic agents in fetal surgery is imperative to prevent preterm labor. Indomethacin, a well-known tocolytic agent, can cause ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction. We sought to determine whether a relationship exists between preoperative indomethacin dosing and fetal DA constriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an IRB-approved, single-center retrospective observational case series of 42 pregnant mothers who underwent open fetal myelomeningocele repair. Preoperatively, mothers received either 1 (QD) or 2 (BID) indomethacin doses. Maternal anesthetic drug exposures and fetal cardiac dysfunction measures were collected from surgical and anesthesia records and intraoperative fetal echocardiography. Pulsatility Index was used to calculate DA constriction severity. Comparative testing between groups was performed using t- and chi-square testing. RESULTS: DA constriction was observed in all fetuses receiving BID indomethacin and in 71.4% of those receiving QD dosing (p = 0.0002). Severe DA constriction was observed only in the BID group (35.7%). QD indomethacin group received more intraoperative magnesium sulfate (p < 0.0001). Minimal fetal cardiac dysfunction (9.5%) and bradycardia (9.5%) were observed in all groups independent of indomethacin dosing. CONCLUSIONS: DA constriction was the most frequent and severe in the BID indomethacin group. QD indomethacin and greater magnesium sulfate dosing was associated with reduced DA constriction.

Discomfort and pain in newborns with myelomeningocele: a prospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: In a worldwide debate on deliberately terminating the lives of newborns, proponents point at newborns with very severe forms of myelomeningocele (MMC) and their assumed suffering, claiming there are no effective means of alleviating their distress. Nevertheless, the degree of discomfort and pain in these newborns has never been assessed in a structured manner. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 28 consecutive newborns with MMC were included over a 5-year period and were followed up throughout their hospital stay for initial treatment. We created 2 disease severity groups on the basis of the Lorber criteria. The primary outcomes were discomfort and pain, assessed by simultaneously scoring 2 validated scales: the visual analog scale for pain and the Comfort Behavioral Scale for discomfort. These scores were coupled to a validated and evidence-based analgesia algorithm. RESULTS: Overall, discomfort related to pain was measured in 3.3% of the scores. This percentage differed little between the preoperative and postoperative periods and did not significantly differ between newborns with less severe MMC and severe MMC (3.9% vs 2.8%; P = .3). The mean dosage of paracetamol was 35 mg/kg per day (95% confidence interval: 32-39); the mean dosage of morphine was 0.9 µg/kg per hour (95% confidence interval: 0.6 -1.2). CONCLUSION: Over the length of their hospital stays for initial treatment, all newborns with MMC presented with low levels of discomfort and pain independent of disease severity and time frame.

Onabotulinumtoxin A for treating overactive/poor compliant bladders in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder secondary to myelomeningocele.

This retrospective study was performed to verify the efficacy and safety of Onabotulinumtoxin A (BTX-A) in treating children with neurogenic bladder (NB) secondary to myelomeningocele (MMC) with detrusor overactivity/low compliance. From January 2002 to June 2011, 47 patients out of 68 with neuropathic bladder were selected (22 females, 25 males, age range 5-17 years; mean age 10.7 years at first injection). They presented overactive/poor compliant neurogenic bladders on clean intermittent catheterization, and were resistant or non compliant to pharmacological therapy. Ten patients presented second to fourth grade concomitant monolateral/bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). All patients were incontinent despite catheterization. In the majority of patients Botulinum-A toxin was administered under general/local anesthesia by the injection of 200 IU of toxin, without exceeding the dosage of 12 IU/kg body weight, diluted in 20 cc of saline solution in 20 sites, except in the periureteral areas. Follow-up included clinical and ultrasound examination, urodynamics performed at 6, 12 and 24 weeks, and annually thereafter. Seven patients remained stable, 21 patients required a second injection after 6-9 months and 19 a third injection. VUR was corrected, when necessary, in the same session after the BT-A injection, by 1-3 cc of subureteral Deflux®. Urodynamic parameters considered were leak point pressure (LPP), leak point volume (LPV) and specific volume at 20 cm H(2)O pressure. The results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. All patients experienced a significant 66.45% average increase of LPV (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 7169 × 10(-10)) and a significant 118.57% average increase of SC 20 (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 2.466 × 10(-12)). The difference between preoperative and postoperative LPP resulted not significant (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 0.8858) No patient presented severe systemic complications; 38/47 patients presented slight hematuria for 2-3 days. Two patients had postoperative urinary tract infection. All patients were hospitalized for 24 h with catheterization. Thirty-eight out of 47 patients achieved dryness between CIC; nine patients improved their incontinence but still need pads. Ten patients have resumed anticholinergic agents. Our results suggest that the use of BTX-A is safe and effective in patients with MMC with a positive effect on their dryness and quality of life.

[Sciatica with motor loss revealing meningoradiculitis due to varicella-zoster virus]. / Sciatique déficitaire révélant une méningoradiculite attachée au virus zona-varicelle.

Herpes zoster is a disease which occurs secondary to the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. Motor involvement in acute herpes zoster is rare. We report a case of sciatica L5 due to herpes zoster infection with motor loss. Typical skin lesions occurred one week before the sciatica. Radiological finding did not explain the paresis. The diagnosis of zoster sciatica with motor involvement was suspected. Serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid examination established the diagnosis. The antiviral and physical treatment was conducted in order to improve functional outcome.

The effect of prenatal treatment with steroids and preterm delivery in a model of myelomeningocele on the rabbit foetus.

Damage of neural elements (spinal cord and encephalus) in myelomeningocele (MMC) seems to be progressive during gestation because of amniotic fluid chemical contact and continuous leakage of CSF. We studied the effect of preterm delivery and steroid treatment in a model of MMC in the rabbit foetus. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits underwent laparotomy and hysterotomy at 23 days of gestation. Fifty-nine out of 107 foetuses underwent lumbar laminectomy (three to four levels). Dura was opened to expose the neural elements to the amniotic fluid. Six rabbits underwent caesarean section on gestational day 31 for fetal harvest; three of them had no treatment (group T) and three received corticosteroid treatment (group TC). The other six rabbits underwent caesarean section on gestational day 29 for fetal harvest (preterm delivery); three of them had no treatment (group P) and three received corticosteroid treatment (group PC). Alive newborns were clinically, neurophysiologically and histologically analysed. None of mothers died during the procedure. After birth, animals in group preterm showed statistically significant less deformity than animals in group at term. Lower kyphosis was observed in group PC (preterm and steroids). Pain related and spontaneous mobility of lower extremities was higher in groups treated with corticosteroids (TC and PC). Only newborns at term (T and TC groups) showed response to evoked potentials (CMEPs). The response was earlier and higher in group treated with steroids (TC). Histologically, we observed progressive lesion of the spinal cord. Groups treated with steroids (TC and PC) show less inflammatory response. Arnold-Chiari malformation was present in all groups. Animals in group preterm with steroids show statistically significant less herniation than those group at term. Preterm delivery and prenatal steroid therapy seem to be an effective treatment to get less neural injury (spinal cord and encephalus) in myelomeningocele foetuses.

Polyethylene glycol 4000 vs. lactulose for the treatment of neurogenic constipation in myelomeningocele children: a randomized-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability of low daily doses of polyethylene glycol 4000 vs. lactulose in the treatment of neurogenic constipation in children with myelomeningocele. METHODS: Sixty-seven children with chronic neurogenic constipation were randomized allocated to receive either polyethylene glycol 4000 (0.50 g/kg) or lactulose (1.5 g/kg) for 6 months. Patients or their parents reported frequency and modality of evacuation and side effects on a diary card. Primary outcome was bowel frequency > or =3/week, and the second one was side effects at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Complete remission of constipation was reported by a significantly (P < 0.01) higher number of patients treated with polyethylene glycol compared with lactulose. At the end of the study, 46% patients of polyethylene glycol group and 22% of the lactulose group were asymptomatic. Compared with lactulose, patients treated with polyethylene glycol reported higher bowel frequency (5.1 vs. 2.9 bowel movements/week, P < 0.01) and reduction of encopresis. Neither lactulose nor polyethylene glycol caused clinically-significant serious side effects and palatability was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Polyethylene glycol 4000 compared with lactulose provided a higher success rate, without significant side effects, for the treatment of constipation in myelomeningocele children.

Bone mineral density in children with myelomeningocele: effect of hydrochlorothiazide.

Children with myelomeningocele experience difficulty with ambulation, which leads to immobilization and secondary loss of bone mineral density (BMD). In addition, non-ambulatory myelomeningocele patients have higher urinary calcium losses than their ambulatory counterparts. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is known to reduce urinary calcium loss and increase BMD in non-myelomeningocele patients with hypercalciuria. This study examines the effect of HCTZ on urinary calcium and BMD in non-ambulatory children with myelomeningocele. Thirteen of 20 non-ambulatory patients with myelomeningocele completed the year-long randomized double-blinded study (placebo = 7 and HCTZ = 6). Evaluation included electrolytes, PTH, osteocalcin, 1, 25-OH vitamin D, urinary pyridinolines/deoxypyridinolines (U(pyr/dpyr)), urinary calcium/creatinine (U(Ca/Cr)), and forearm BMD (dual X-ray absorptiometry). Follow-up electrolytes were obtained at 1-2, 6, and 12 months and U(Ca/Cr) and BMD was obtained again at 12 months. There were no initial differences between the placebo and HCTZ groups. U(Ca/Cr) decreased in the HCTZ group after treatment (0.20+/-0.09 vs. 0.04+/-0.02, p<0.05). However, forearm BMD ( z-scores) after 1 year remained unchanged in both the HCTZ (-5.95+/-0.98 to -5.86+/-0.92) and placebo (-7.19+/-0.69 to -6.67+/-0.63) groups. While use of HCTZ for 1 year did not affect BMD, it reduced urinary calcium excretion in non-ambulatory children with myelomeningocele.

Discernment of adipose versus nervous tissue: a novel adjunct solution in lipomyelomeningocele surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine a solution capable of discerning adipose versus nervous tissue, to aid in surgical separation of the adipose tissue which appears to be visually indistinguishable from nervous tissue in lipomyelomeningoceles (LMMs). METHODS: The following solutes (in normal saline) were investigated, both at 25 and 37 degrees C: beta-carotene, vitamin D, vitamin E, lecithin, hydrogen peroxide, lipase, protease, hyaluronidase, partially purified collagenase, purified collagenase, trypsin, trypsin plus purified collagenase and non-solute-containing saline (control). Each solution was applied to a pediatric lipoma to determine gross effects over a period of approximately 30 min. If a solution appeared to affect the adipose tissue grossly, studies of functional in vivo sensory evoked and spontaneous potentials using that particular solution were conducted upon sheep spinal cord, nerve roots, dura and peripheral nerve. Additionally, histological studies were conducted to determine the effect of that solution upon adipose tissue, spinal cord, myelin, dura and nerve roots. RESULTS: Of all solutions investigated, partially purified collagenase type 1 (T1C; Lot M0M4322, Code CLS-1, Worthington Biochemical Corporation, Lakewood, N.J., USA) at 37 degrees C was the most successful in grossly altering the consistency and appearance of adipose tissue. This change was more apparent over 20-30 min following application of the solution to the adipose tissue. Solutions not containing T1C did not show appreciable results; purified collagenase plus trypsin did not appear comparable or superior to T1C. No significant histological or functional change was noted when comparing the spinal cord, nerve rootlets, myelin, dura or peripheral nerve from the T1C-treated group versus normal (untreated) control groups. CONCLUSION: T1C appears to be a potentially effective solution for application during LMM surgery in the acute setting, and such use of an adjunct solution may significantly aid in the safe surgical resection of LMMs. Pending further research, this technique may be applied for other indications which require discernment or alteration of adipose versus nervous tissue.

One-year treatment with recombinant human growth hormone of children with meningomyelocele and growth hormone deficiency: a comparison of supine length and arm span.

Growth retardation and precocious puberty are frequently found in children with meningomyelocele (MMC). Lower limb contractions, spasticity and kyphoscoliosis may lead to disproportionate short stature. Most of these patients have structural brain defects or hydrocephalus which can cause growth hormone deficiency. In this study, 19 children aged between 3.5 and 12.8 years with MMC and growth hormone (GH) deficiency were treated with recombinant human GH for a period of 12 months. Supine length, arm span and growth velocity were compared before, and after 6 and 12 months of treatment with rhGH (daily dose 2.0 IU/m2 BSA s.c.). Mean supine length standard deviation score (SDS) increased by +0.8 SDS after 6 months and +1.2 SDS after 12 months of therapy. Mean arm span standard deviation score increased by +0.9 SDS and +1.3 SDS. Growth velocity increased in supine length from 3.3 cm/yr (-2.1 SDS) to 8.4 cm/yr (+2.4 SDS) and in arm span from 4.8 cm/yr (-1.3 SDS) to 8.6 cm/yr (+3.1 SDS) in the first 6 months and was 8.1 cm/yr (+2.4 SDS) and 8.3 cm/yr (+2.6 SDS) after 12 months of therapy. Linear correlation between SDS growth velocity supine length and SDS growth velocity arm span during one year of treatment was excellent (r = 0.65, p < 0.0025). We surmise that body proportions do not deteriorate when growth velocity is stimulated in MMC patients. Both supine length and arm span measurements are necessary to document growth in children with spinal dysraphism.

Arm span as measurement of response to growth hormone (GH) treatment in a group of children with meningomyelocele and GH deficiency.

Children with meningomyelocele (MMC) frequently have impaired linear growth. A number have associated structural brain defects with resultant GH deficiency (GHD). Reproducible measurements of height or length in MMC patients are often hampered by lower limb contractures, spasticity, and scoliosis. Arm span has been proposed as a more reproducible measure of linear growth. Five MMC children documented to have GHD were treated with recombinant human GH (hGH) for 1-3 yr. Their height, arm span, and growth velocity were compared with 32 children with idiopathic GHD treated similarly with hGH. These measures are compared with normal children by being expressed as standard deviation scores. The results of this study indicate that arm span measurements in GHD MMC patients are almost identical to height measurements in idiopathic GHD patients both before and during hGH therapy. The physical condition of children with MMC makes reproducible longitudinal height measurements difficult. Routine determinations of arm span measurements for children with MMC will assist in recognizing growth failure as well as monitoring treatment results.

[Effectiveness and tolerance of cefixime in bacterial urinary tract infections in patients with myelomeningocele]. / Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von Cefixim bei bakteriellen Infektionen der Harnwege bei Patienten mit Myelomeningozele.

28 myelomeningocele patients (aged 2-30 years) with clinical symptoms of acute UTI participated in this open uncontrolled clinical trial at the Orthopedic University Hospital of Heidelberg (Dir.: Prof. Dr. H. Cotta). 4 patients were treated with 200 mg cefixime tablets bid, 24 patients received 4 mg/kg body weight cefixime suspension bid, according to age and weight of the patients. The duration of treatment was 6-10 days. Clinical and microbiological examinations were carried out before therapy as well as 1 day and 5 to 9 days after the end of treatment. The data of 25 patients could be evaluated for bacteriological and clinical efficacy. 5-9 days after treatment in 22 patients (88%) complete recovery was stated. In 3 patients a reinfection occurred. In 24 patients (96%) the baseline pathogens were eliminated under cefixime therapy. 5-9 days after the end of treatment in 3 patients reinfection was observed. Clinical side effects could be detected in 1 patient (vomiting). These results indicate that the oral cephalosporin cefixime is efficient and well tolerated in complicated UTI of myelomeningocele patients.

Use of hyaluronidase in the central nervous system.

Hyaluronidase, an enzyme which depolymerizes the mucopolysaccharide hyaluronic acid, appears to be tolerated by the human central nervous system and in the anterior chamber of the rabbit eye. Two patients with hydrocephalus and meningomyelocele had their condition curtailed by intraventricular injections of hyaluronidase, and in a third patient its use permitted delay of shunting. It was apparently effective in preventing a reaccumulation of cystic fluid in an intramedullary neurofibroma, and in reversing adverse effects of adhesive arachnoiditis of the spinal cord. Hylauronidase seems worthy of further investigation in disorders of the central nervous system.