TY - JOUR T1 - Open spina bifida: birth findings predict long-term outcome JF - Archives of Disease in Childhood JO - Arch Dis Child SP - 474 LP - 476 DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300624 VL - 97 IS - 5 AU - Pippa Oakeshott AU - Gillian M Hunt AU - Alison Poulton AU - Fiona Reid Y1 - 2012/05/01 UR - http://adc.bmj.com/content/97/5/474.abstract N2 - Objectives To investigate if lifestyle in spina bifida at age 40±3 years, relates to neurological deficit in infancy or cerebrospinal fluid shunt history. Design Prospective cohort study with 100% ascertainment. Setting Community. Participants 117 consecutive cases of open spina bifida whose backs were closed non-selectively at birth. In 2007, all 46 (39%) survivors and/or carers were surveyed by postal questionnaires and telephone interviews. Results Of the 38 children with absent sensation only below the knee (sensory level below L3), 23 (61%) survived of whom 14 (61%) were community walkers and only 5 (22%) needed daily care. But in 42 babies with absent sensation up to the umbilicus (sensory level above T11) only seven (17%) survived, none could walk and five (71%) needed daily care. Survivors with no shunt revisions were more likely to walk, live independently and drive a car. Conclusion Mobility and the need for care at 40 can be predicted from the neurological deficit. ER -