title: Optimal route of delivery for meningomyelocele.
abstract: No agreement exists in the literature regarding the optimal route of delivery for meningomyelocele (MMC) fetuses. Thirty-five MMC cases were retrospective divided into two study groups: vaginal delivery (n = 20); and cesarean delivery (n = 15). The groups were comparable demographically as well as for size and location of the MMC lesion. There were no differences in: 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores; incidence of MMC sac disruption; infants requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunts; infants exhibiting neurogenic bladders, fecal incontinence, orthopedic deformities, seizure disorders or neonatal meningitis. These data suggest neonatal outcome of MMC fetuses is unrelated to route of delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, California 92350.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Sakala
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Andree
mesh_terms: D001034:Apgar Score; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome