Spina Bifida -An unfortunately common birth defect that affects about 1,300 babies each year-

Overview: What is spina bifida? Three forms of spina bifida Causes Who is at risk? Medical problems that occur with spina bifida Prevention Role of March of Dimes

What is spina bifida? birth defect resulting from the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord remains unfused and open the abnormal portion of the spinal cord sticks out through the opening in the bones

Three forms of spina bifida 1.Occulta 2.Meningocele 3.Myelomeningocele

Occulta mildest form no symptoms gap in one or more of the vertebre of the spine dimple, hairy patch, dark spot or swelling over affected area spinal cords and nerves usually normal no treatment needed

Meningocele rarest form cyst or fluid-filled sac pokes through open part of spine sac contains membranes that protect spinal cord, but not spinal nerves cyst removed by surgery, usually allowing for normal development

Myelomeningocele most severe form cyst holds both membranes and nerve roots of spinal cord and, often, the cord itself sometimes, a fully exposed section of spinal cord and nerves closed surgically after birth affected babies: leg paralysis and bladder and bowel control problems

Causes causes of spina bifida are not completely understood scientists believe both genetic and environmental factors cause this however, 95% of affected babies are born to parents with no family history of these disorders

Who is at risk? ANYONE! :( couples who already had an affected baby has an increased risk of having another affected baby women who are obese, have poorly controlled diabetes, or who are treated with certain anti-seizure meds have a higher risk more common in Hispanics and Caucasions

Medical Problems that occur Hydrocephalus (70-90%) Chiari II malformation (change the brain's position) Tethered spinal cord (held in place by connective tissue) Urinary tract disorders Latex allergy (73%) Learning disabilities (20%)

Prevention Folic Acid -- 70% NTDs can be prevented multivitamin of 400 micrograms of folic acid every day every day foods: grain products, fortified foods, leafy-green vegetables, dried beans, oranges, orange juice

Role of March of Dimes award grants to research labs o search for genes that may contribute to spina bifida and other NTDs to develop new ways to prevent these disorders o seek better understanding of how folic acid prevents NTDs o develop programs to prevent behavior and adjustment problems in children and adolescents with spina bifida

Thank you for listening!