Spina bifida is one type of disability since birth. This happens because the spine is not formed normally, causing the spinal cord to become obstructed or exposed.
To understand this situation, we need to first understand how our spine develops during embryological development. In normal content, brain development, spinal cord and adjacent structures such as the spine begin from the formation of the neural tube. The upper part of the tube will form the brain and otherwise become the central nervous system. Normally, the neural tube closure will occur in the fourth week of the content / day to 28. If the neural tube is not closed, the spine can not be merged properly and causes the spinal cord to be exposed. Then, spina bifida occurs mainly on the lower part of the spine
Types of Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Occulta
There are only a few gaps in the spine.
The spinal cord does not go out or is affected.
Normally, no defects occur.
Meningocoele
The spinal cord outer layer called "meninges" goes out through the gap between the open spine.
However, the spinal cord remains in its position.
Meningomyelocoele
The most severe condition in which the spine is not merged in some parts.
This causes the lining of the meninges out into a sack containing part of the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, meninges and nerve roots.
This affects the nerves and exposes infants to germs.
The patient's condition depends on the severity of the type experienced. Some babies do not show any signs. For children with moderate type, they need to seek proper treatment. While for infants born with severe spina bifida and involving the upper spinal cord, it is possible that the baby can not survive.
The Origin of Spina Bifida
1. Genetic factors
Couples who had previous child with spina bifida were more likely to give birth to another child with the same condition.
2. Environmental factors
- Lack of folic acid before and during the beginning of the content
- Take some medicines
- Unsaturated diabetes.
- Obesity.
Investigation
To determine if the baby is experiencing this problem, some investigation can be done to confirm it. It is divided into:
While in the womb:
- Blood tests: Measuring Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood of pregnant women.
- "Ultrasonogrpahy": To see the formation of the baby's backbone.
- "Amniocentesis": Measures the AFP stage in the amniotic fluid.
After birth:
- Lumps on the back of the baby's body.
- Spinal cord protruding or meninges through opening spaces in the spine.
- Measure large head circumference ("hydrocephalus").
- In case of spina bifida occulta, skin color changes, lumps, soft fat tissue lumps or capillary spots can be seen on the back.
- X-ray and MRI.
Complications
This problem can cause some complications:
- Damage to the spinal cord may result in back pain, loss of small or large discharge control, as well as weakness or paralysis.
- Hydrocephalus occurs causing the accumulation of fluid in the brain as well as damaging the baby's brain.
- Problems with infections such as inflammation of the meninges ("meningitis").
- Bone problems such as "scoliosis" are spine bending.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment to restore damage to the nerve caused by spina bifida. However, surgery can be done after the baby's birth within 48 hours. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial infections by re-inserting spinal cord and meninges. If the baby has hydrocephalus, excess fluid in the brain will be diverted to the abdomen through other channels made. In addition, all germs need to be treated promptly.
To reduce the rate of birth of the spina bifida baby, early prevention can be done by taking the addition of folic acid by 0.4mg a day before pregnancy until the first three months of the content. For couples who have a child with spina bifida, counseling will be given due to increased risk for birth.
SOURCE : https://thediagnosa.com/spina-bifida-punca-pencegahan/
No comments:
Post a Comment