title: Closed neural tube defects in children with caudal regression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infants born with caudal regression (CR) may have serious multisystem abnormalities that require prompt attention in the neonatal period. The presence of a closed neural tube defect (NTD) that can lead to future neurological deterioration may be overlooked.
  
  
  METHODS
  An IRB-approved retrospective review was conducted among patients with CR and a closed NTD that underwent neurosurgical operative intervention between 1996 and 2012 at a single institution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two patients who met the above criteria were identified. Of this group, 13 were identified and surgically addressed in the first year of life; however, nine additional children were diagnosed with a closed NTD after a year of age with progressive neurological deterioration. Of the entire group, none had any cutaneous markers that are often seen with a closed NTD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The frequent finding of a closed NTD associated with major CR abnormalities, even in the absence of any cutaneous markers for dysraphism, recommends that infants with CR undergo a MRI screening in early infancy to exclude the presence of a closed NTD.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 1300 N. Vermont Avenue, Suite #1006, CA 90027, USA. yasserjeelani@gmail.com
authors.forename: Yasser
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jeelani
authors.forename: Gina M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mosich
authors.forename: J Gordon
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McComb
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000150:complications*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region / Q000002:abnormalities*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers