Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine - Volume 13, issue 4

Authors: Castillo, Jonathan | Castillo, Heidi | Brei, Timothy J.

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that, if of nothing else, we live in a globalized community. Enthusiasm for evidenced-based medical knowledge is also contagious. Just as the incidence of SARS-CoV-2, the associated coronavirus, has had a borderless impact on global public health, so too neural tube defects have widespread significance. Previously, the concept of “blue marble health” was introduced as a policy framework to illustrate trends in the geographic distribution of health disparities affecting at-risk populations that live, not only in low-income countries, but also in pockets of the populace in wealthier nations. Subsequently, the Spina Bifida Association’s Collaborative …Care Network, through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently produced the “Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida.” While language differences, immigration, cultural beliefs, acculturation, local resources and social determinants of health, must be taken into account when these guidelines are implemented across the globe, they could not come at a more suitable time. The current digital age, as well as open access to this special issue, will ensure their ongoing wide distribution. Show more

Keywords: Guidelines, myelomeningocele, social determinants of health, blue marble health, immigration, global health, spina bifida

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200029

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 453-455, 2020

Authors: Dicianno, Brad E. | Dosa, Nienke | Beierwaltes, Patricia

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract: “Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida” provide the best, most up-to-date recommendations for care across the lifespan, from newborn to adult. This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine is a collection of key sections of the 2018 Guidelines . The sections of the Guidelines published herein have been expanded from their original format to include more background information about key topics and why they are important in the care of people with SB. It is the hope of SBA that these and future Guidelines will promote and standardize best practice …regardless of the characteristics of individuals with SB or where their care was received. It is through providing better care that we will ultimately achieve a better future for all those living with SB. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, spinal dysraphism, case management, standards

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200691

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 457-459, 2020

Authors: Church, Paige Terrien | Castillo, Heidi | Castillo, Jonathan | Berndl, Anne | Brei, Timothy | Heuer, Gregory | Howell, Lori J. | Merkens, Mark

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: As the diagnosis of Spina Bifida (SB) is often made prenatally, SB-specific prenatal counseling is needed. It is essential to provide information about medical care and lifelong impact of this diagnosis, treatment options available to women carrying fetuses affected, and resources that will assist in the care of individuals with SB. This article outlines the SB Prenatal Counseling Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and acknowledges that further research in SB prenatal counseling is warranted.

Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, fetal therapies, prenatal care, counseling, neural tube defects

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200735

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 461-466, 2020

Authors: Blount, Jeffrey P. | Bowman, Robin | Dias, Mark S. | Hopson, Betsy | Partington, Michael D. | Rocque, Brandon G.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Myelomeningocele (MMC) arises from an early neural developmental anomaly and results in a variety of structural abnormalities and associated functional neurologic deficits. As such, neurologic issues are central to virtually all clinical problems. Neurosurgical intervention strives to correct or improve these defects and prevent secondary complications. These interventions include closure of the open myelomeningocele and management (across the life span) of hydrocephalus, the Chiari II malformation (C2M) and tethered spinal cord (TSC). The development of pre-natal closure techniques and reports of improved outcome with in-utero closure (IUMC) have revolutionized the neurosurgical approach to myelomeningocele. Controversies remain surrounding patient selection, maternal …risks, technique of IUMC (endoscopic vs. open) and long-term outcomes. However, real gains include reduced rates of hydrocephalus, modestly improved motor capabilities and reduction in C2M morbidity. For many decades, the cornerstone of treatment of hydrocephalus for many decades has been the placement and support of ventricular shunts. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with or without choroid plexus coagulation (ETV/CPC) is an appealing alternate strategy that avoids the morbidity and complications associated with shunts. The exact criteria for ETV-CPC candidacy and best metrics for outcome analysis remain active areas of debate and controversy. Similarly, neurosurgical management C2M, has centered upon the indications and clinical thresholds for performing posterior fossa surgical decompression. Tethered spinal cord management incorporates the diagnosis and surgical management of adhesions formed at the initial closure site, the consequent longitudinal traction related stress on the cord and the resulting neurologic signs and symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, intra-uterine myelomeningocele closure (IUMC), hydrocephalus, ventricular shunt, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (etv), endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus coagulation (ETV-CPC), chiari II malformation (C2M), tethered spinal cord (TSC), health care guidelines, neural tube defects

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200782

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 467-477, 2020

Authors: Joseph, David B. | Baum, Michelle A. | Tanaka, Stacy T. | Frimberger, Dominic C. | Misseri, Rosalia | Khavari, Rose | Baillie, Sharon | Yerkes, Elizabeth B. | Wood, Hadley

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The life expectancy for people with spina bifida has increased, thus resulting in greater need for guidelines in urologic care in order to protect normal renal function, to develop strategies for urinary continence, and to advance independence through adult years. METHODS: The English literature was assessed from 2002–2015; greater than 300 publications identified. Case reports and opinion pieces were eliminated leaving 100 for in depth review. Clinical questions were then established for each age group that allowed for focused assessment. RESULTS: There was no Level 1 evidence for any of the defined …clinical questions. This resulted in group consensus for all questions throughout all age groups. Guidelines were provided for identifying a symptomatic urinary infection, the role of urodynamic bladder testing and identification of bladder hostility, determining methods of renal function assessment and surveillance, the initiation of continence control, and transitioning to self-care through the teen and adult years. CONCLUSION: Urologic guidelines continue to be based on clinical consensus due to the lack of high level evidence-based research. Further research is required in all aspects of urologic management. While not the “Standard of Care,” these guidelines should be considered “Best Practice”. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, spinal dsyraphism, neurogenic bladder, myelomeningocele, neural tube defects

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200712

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 479-489, 2020

Authors: Beierwaltes, Patricia | Church, Paige | Gordon, Tiffany | Ambartsumyan, Lusine

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Bowel dysfunction, such as constipation and fecal incontinence, has a significant impact on health, activities of daily living, and quality of life among people with spina bifida. Secondary complications may result from bowel dysfunction and include urologic dysfunction, loss of skin integrity, shunt (hydrocephalus) function, as well as loss of social opportunities and employability. METHODS: Using a consensus building methodology, the guidelines for management of bowel dysfunction in spina bifida were written by experts in the field of spina bifida and bowel function and care. RESULTS: The evidence-based guidelines are presented in …table format and provide age-specific recommendations to achieve fecal continence without constipation. Recommended treatments are presented from least to most invasive options. Literature supporting the recommendations and the interval research published to date is also presented. CONCLUSION: These guidelines present a standardized approach to management of bowel dysfunction in spina bifida. Bowel management in children and young adults with spina bifida is limited by variability in clinical practice and paucity of robust research in neurogenic bowel. Collaborative multi-institutional efforts are needed to overcome research barriers and provide innovative solutions. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, neural tube defects, neurogenic bowel, neurogenic bowel dysfunction, constipation, fecal incontinence, bowel management

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200724

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 491-498, 2020

Authors: Van Speybroeck, Alexander | Beierwaltes, Patricia | Hopson, Betsy | McKee, Suzanne | Raman, Lisa | Rao, Ravindra | Sherlock, Rebecca

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Care coordination is the deliberate organization of patient care activities between two or more participants (including the patient) involved in a person’s care to facilitate the appropriate delivery of health care services. Organizing care involves the marshalling of personnel and other resources needed to carry out all required patient care activities. It is often managed by the exchange of information among participants responsible for different aspects of care [1 ]. With an estimated 85% of individuals with Spina Bifida (SB) surviving to adulthood, SB specific care coordination guidelines are warranted. Care coordination (also described as case management services) is a process …that links them to services and resources in a coordinated effort to maximize their potential by providing optimal health care. However, care can be complicated due to the medical complexities of the condition and the need for multidisciplinary care, as well as economic and sociocultural barriers. It is often a shared responsibility by the multidisciplinary Spina Bifida team [2 ]. For this reason, the Spina Bifida Care Coordinator has the primary responsibility for overseeing the overall treatment plan for the individual with Spina Bifida[3 ]. Care coordination includes communication with the primary care provider in a patient’s medical home. This article discusses the Spina Bifida Care Coordination Guideline from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and explores care coordination goals for different age groups as well as further research topics in SB care coordination. Show more

Keywords: Spina Bifida, myelomeningocele, care coordination, multidisciplinary care, case management neural tube defects

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200738

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 499-511, 2020

Authors: Fremion, Ellen | Kanter, David | Turk, Margaret

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Individuals with Spina Bifida (SB) have unique lifelong medical and social needs. Thus, when considering how to promote health and offer preventive care, providers must adapt general healthcare screening and counseling recommendations to their patients’ physical and cognitive impairments along with discerning how to monitor secondary or chronic conditions common to the population. This article provides an update on the health promotion and preventive health care guidelines developed as part of the Spina Bifida Association’s fourth edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida. The guidelines highlight accommodations needed to promote general preventive health, common secondary/chronic …conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, and considerations for preventing acute care utilization for the SB population throughout the lifespan. Further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of preventive care interventions in promoting positive health outcomes and mitigating potentially preventable acute care utilization. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, disabilities, health promotion, preventative health

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200718

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 513-523, 2020

Authors: Kritikos, Tessa K. | Smith, Kathryn | Holmbeck, Grayson N.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Spina bifida’s (SB) impact on cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning places individuals at risk for mental health concerns. This article discusses the SB Mental Health Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and reviews evidence-based directions with the intention of helping individuals with SB achieve optimal mental health throughout the lifespan. Guidelines address clinical questions pertaining to the psychosocial impact of SB on mental health and adaptation, domains of mental health that are affected in individuals with SB, areas of resilience, common maladaptive behaviors that may impact …people with SB, and resources or practices that are helpful in mitigating mental health issues in this population. Gaps in the research and future directions are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Spina Bifida, myelomeningocele, neural tube defects, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200719

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 525-534, 2020

Authors: Kritikos, Tessa K. | Holmbeck, Grayson N.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Research supports a resilience-disruption model of family functioning in families with a child with spina bifida. Guidelines are warranted to both minimize disruption to the family system and maximize family resilience and adaptation to multiple spina bifida-related and normative stressors. This article discusses the spina bifida family functioning guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida, and reviews evidence-based directions with the intention of helping individuals with spina bifida achieve optimal mental health throughout their lifespan. Guidelines address clinical questions pertaining to the impact of having a child …with spina bifida on family functioning, resilience and vulnerability factors, parenting behaviors that may facilitate adaptive child outcomes, and appropriate interventions or approaches to promote family functioning. Gaps in the research and future directions are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, family functioning, neural tube defects

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200720

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 535-542, 2020