A randomized trial of prenatal versus postnatal repair of myelomeningocele.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prenatal repair of myelomeningocele, the most common form of spina bifida, may result in better neurologic function than repair deferred until after delivery. We compared outcomes of in utero repair with standard postnatal repair.

Methods

We randomly assigned eligible women to undergo either prenatal surgery before 26 weeks of gestation or standard postnatal repair. One primary outcome was a composite of fetal or neonatal death or the need for placement of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt by the age of 12 months. Another primary outcome at 30 months was a composite of mental development and motor function.

Results

The trial was stopped for efficacy of prenatal surgery after the recruitment of 183 of a planned 200 patients. This report is based on results in 158

SUBMITTER: Adzick NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3770179 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature