Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine - Volume 10, issue 3-4

Authors: Pardo, Rosa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the last two decades in Chile events that have taken place in order to improve the prevention, management, and treatment of patients with spina bifida in Chile. Aspects of the implementation of a fortification of wheat flour with folic acid program and its evolution are described. Genetic studies performed in Chilean patients with spina bifida, improvements in coverage and medical management opportunities, as well as the creation of associations of families of patients with the condition have all evolved in Chile.

Keywords: Spina bifida, folic acid, fortification, treatment

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170443

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 201-204, 2017

Authors: Thibadeau, Judy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: “The National Spina Bifida Patient Registry: Past, Present, and Future” was presented at the Spina Bifida World Congress, March 17, 2017, San Diego, California. This commentary provides a summary of registry activities including the reason for development, a description of the clinic participants and their patients who are participating, analytic works and publications. Two specific efforts that are related to the work of the registry, a urologic protocol to preserve renal function for newborns and young children, and a skin breakdown prevention bundle developed and implemented in registry clinics, are highlighted.

Keywords: Spina bifida, patient registry, interventions, outcomes

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170463

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 205-210, 2017

Authors: Lyons, Gastón Valverde | Burek, Carol | Campmani, Liliana | De Castro, Fernanda | López, Beatriz | Sager, Cristian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to render an account of the experience of a group of healthcare providers and to propose innovative solutions for patients with Spina Bifida (SB) in Argentina. Based on our practice, patients reach specialists too late (40% already undergoing chronic kidney disease stage 1). However, several strategies were implemented in order to reverse this trend, among which were: the setting up of a professional network (via emails and Google groups), team training at different locations, videoconferences, and calling the Ministry of Health to action. Additionally, we developed a project through telemedicine to inform …patients and empower caregivers throughout Argentina. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, interdisciplinary care, professional network, telemedicine

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170444

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 211-214, 2017

Authors: Martinez de Villarreal, Laura E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In 1980 Smithells et al. reported that the intake of folic acid (FA) prevents the recurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) [1]. After this and several other studies were conducted, the intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, at least three months before and three months during pregnancy for prevention of NTD, was proposed [2,3,4]. Other strategies were also developed to increase folate blood levels in woman of childbearing age such as promoting the consumption of folate rich foods and food fortification (flour and most recently rice) [5]. Nevertheless, results have not been as expected due to poor consumption …of folic acid supplements [6]. As a result, in the year 2000, a novel strategy was developed in order to increase folate blood levels in Mexican women. The results of the strategy are presented, as well as, a discussion about how to personalize a program for different populations. Show more

Keywords: Folic acid, NTD, spina bifida, prevention, mexican population

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170445

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 215-217, 2017

Authors: Castillo, Jonathan | Ostermaier, Kathryn K. | Fremion, Ellen | Collier, Talia | Zhu, Huirong | Huang, Gene O. | Tu, Duong | Castillo, Heidi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To describe the age of independence in intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) in a diverse patient population and identify factors associated with ISC in individuals with spina bifida. METHODS: Two hundred patients with myelomeningocele or lipomyelomeningocele, who were ⩾ 3 years of age and utilized catheterization for bladder management were included. Data regarding diagnosis, functional level of lesion, race, ethnicity, presence of shunt, method of catheterization, self-management skills, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities were collected. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of individuals were able to perform ISC with a mean age of …9.45 years (SD = 2.97) and 22.7% used a surgically created channel. Higher level of lesion and female gender were associated with a lower rate of ISC. Intellectual disability was present in 15% of the individuals able to perform ISC and in 40% of those not able to perform ISC (p = 0.0005). Existent self-efficacy regarding activities of daily living (i.e. dressing, bathing, skin care) were associated with ISC (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The average age of ISC emerged as a target for culturally-appropriate educational interventions to stimulate greater early independence. Future research on factors that may foster an ‘independent spirit’ early in childhood leading to self-management are warranted. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, neurogenic bladder, self-catheterization, self-management

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170447

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 219-226, 2017

Authors: Collins, Katrina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To inform the strategic and operational development of a community based service model at the Crann Centre, Cork, Ireland for SB children, adults, their families and providers. A needs assessment was conducted by gathering the views of multiple stakeholder perspectives within the SB community in the geographical region the Centre will serve. The intention is to create project deliverables that are responsive to the needs highlighted through this research. METHODS: The study used a multi method design with a participatory research approach to explore the needs of SB individuals, families and providers. This involved …in depth interviews, focus groups and online surveys. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine respondents contributed to this qualitative needs assessment. The research established a range of psychosocial, clinical, vocational and educational issues causing ongoing difficulties for SB individuals and families. Providers highlighted supports that would benefit the social and clinical wellbeing of persons with SB. Collectively participants in the study reported that there was an absence of coordinated, continuous and comprehensive service delivery for the SB community in the region. This was amplified by geographical location of services and access to relevant supports. CONCLUSION: Consensus across stakeholders in this research pointed to the necessity for an innovative model of community based provision at the Crann Centre. This was described as offering a service with family at the core of an assets based model of practice. A key finding was the lack of importance placed on the social and emotional development of SB individuals. Traditionally participants described a singular focus on physical health through clinically defined treatment models. The desire for a social model of disability that informed health and wellbeing of SB individuals and families emerged as a prominent recommendation from the research. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, needs assessment, community provision, family led support

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170448

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 227-230, 2017

Authors: Freeman, Kurt A. | Castillo, Heidi | Castillo, Jonathan | Liu, Tiebin | Schechter, Michael | Wiener, John S. | Thibadeau, Judy | Ward, Elisabeth | Brei, Timothy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Continence is low in individuals with spina bifida, but published prevalence varies markedly across studies. The objective of this study was to examine bladder and bowel continence among patients served by multidisciplinary clinics participating in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry and to examine whether variation in prevalence exists across clinics. METHODS: Data were obtained from patients 5 years and older from March 2009 to December 2012. Data were gathered at clinic visits using standardized definitions. RESULTS: Data from 3252 individuals were included. Only 40.8% of participants were continent of urine; 43% …were continent of stool. Bladder and bowel continence differed by spina bifida type, with those with myelomeningocele having significantly lower reported prevalence of continence than those with other forms of spina bifida. Bladder and bowel continence varied across registry sites. Adjustment based on demographic and condition-specific variables did not make substantive differences in prevalence observed. CONCLUSION: Less than half of spina bifida patients served in multidisciplinary clinics report bladder or bowel continence. Variability in prevalence was observed across clinics. Further research is needed to examine if clinic-specific variables (e.g., types of providers, types of interventions used) account for the observed variation. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, continence, neurogenic bladder, urologic management, bowel and bladder impairment, registry

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170450

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 231-241, 2017

Authors: Fremion, Ellen | Morrison-Jacobus, Melissa | Castillo, Jonathan | Castillo, Heidi | Ostermaier, Kathryn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Providing comprehensive transition care for adolescents and young adults with spina bifida (AYASB) requires a structured approach to addressing chronic condition management, self-management, care coordination, and health care navigation that is adaptable to the various levels of cognitive ability, physical function, and family/community environments within the population. This commentary (1) highlights AYASB transition program needs identified in the literature and within a local community, (2) analyzes advantages and limitations of published AYASB transition care models in addressing these needs, (3) demonstrates how a spina bifida (SB) transition clinic used the Chronic Care Model (CCM) to develop a comprehensive AYASB transition …program, and (4) examines the potential feasibility in adapting this model to other SB clinics. A SB-specific transition clinic based on the CCM model facilitates the complex chronic care management and transition planning for AYASB. Further study is needed to evaluate health care outcomes using the CCM for SB transition. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, adolescence, transition to adult care, transition clinic model, chronic care model

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170451

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 243-247, 2017

Authors: Gonzalez, Dani O. | Cooper, Jennifer N. | McLeod, Daryl J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Most patients with spina bifida require ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Some also require bladder augmentation, which may increase the risk of VP shunt malfunction and/or failure. The aim of this study was to assess whether bladder augmentation affects the rate of VP shunt failure in this population. METHODS: Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we studied patients with spina bifida born between 1992 and 2014 who underwent VP shunt placement. Using conditional logistic regression, we compared age- and hospital-matched patients who did and did not undergo a bladder augmentation to determine their difference in rates …of VP shunt failure. RESULTS: There were 4192 patients with spina bifida who underwent both surgical closure and VP shunt placement. Of these, 203 patients with bladder augmentation could be matched to 593 patients without bladder augmentation. VP shunt failure occurred within 2 years in 7.7% of patients, the majority of whom were in the group who underwent bladder augmentation (87%). After adjusting for confounders, undergoing bladder augmentation was independently associated with VP shunt failure (HR: 33.5, 95% CI: 13.15–85.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bladder augmentation appears to be associated with VP shunt failure. Additional studies are necessary to better define this relationship and identify risk-reduction techniques. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, VP shunt, myelomeningocele, VP shunt failure, bladder augmentation, shunt infection

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170452

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 249-255, 2017

Authors: Jiang, Ruiyang | Inouye, Brian M. | Wang, Hsin-Hsiao S. | Tejwani, Rohit | Routh, Jonathan C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Cost-utility analyses (CUA) are useful when the treatment conditions depend on patient preferences that are in turn dependent on health state utility value. Spina bifida (SB) is an example of such a preference-sensitive condition. Historically, the SB utility value for CUA has been gathered via a traditional face-to-face interview. However, due to funding and time constrains, utility estimation via online crowdsourcing has recently gained popularity. Our aim was to estimate the utility value for a generic SB health state using a validated online tool. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of American adults was conducted using the …time-trade-off (TTO) method. Participants were recruited from an online crowdsourcing interface, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk). Demographic information and prior knowledge of SB were assessed. Respondents were provided a written passage and an online video explaining SB and its potential associated comorbidities. Participants were queried on hypothetical ascending time-trades from a child-parent dyad perspective to determine the utility of a SB health state in an affected 6-year-old child. Respondents were also asked to indicate the percentage of time traded from their life in relation to their child’s. Utility estimates were then calculated and compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: We obtained 503 responses (85% response rate). Mean respondent age was 34 (± 11); 247 (49%) were female; 386 (77%) were white; 189 (38%) were married, and 234 (46%) had children. Mean proportion of longevity traded by participants in the dyadic interaction was 66% (± 27) from the parent’s life. Only 51 respondents (9%) reported having “ample” prior knowledge of SB; 8 respondents (0.02%) had SB themselves. Few others had previous experience with SB or myelomeningocele either in a child (4, 1%), or friend/relative (28, 5%). Compared with a perfect health state of 1.0, we found mean utilities of 0.85 (±  0.20) for SB. CONCLUSIONS: Utility estimation for SB is feasible through crowdsourcing, and the resultant values are similar to previous estimates using traditional techniques. Subjects view the SB health state to be inferior to perfect health. Show more

Keywords: Pediatric, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, utility

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170453

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 257-266, 2017