title: Perinatal management of meningomyelocele.
abstract: During a 24-month period, nine neonates with a meningomyelocele were delivered. Of these, four meningomyeloceles were detected antenatally with ultrasound during the third trimester. Sonographic diagnosis was based upon a discontinuity in the fetal spine and the presence of a protruding sac. Obstetric management included serial sonography until fetal pulmonic maturity was established, and subsequent low transverse cesarean section. A method of atraumatic abdominal delivery is described. Neonatal management consisted of early closure of the spinal defect and appropriate shunting of hydrocephalus. A team approach to the perinatal management of meningomyelocele is recommended for optimal outcome.
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography