Lumbosacral myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele is an inborn malformation of low frequency but with great implications in the pediatric management of these patients. Comes on with physical impairment, sphincter dysfunction and dynamic malformations. Rises as an important emotional shock to parents and it is the pediatrician?s duty to inform about all possible complications and their early detection. In myelomeningocele meninges, spinal cord and cephalorachidian fluid become herniated through a defect of the back raphe. It occurs about the fourth week of pregnancy. The etiology is unknown, The frequency is of 1/1000 newborns. Produces weakness and even paralysis of lower limbs and sphincter incontinence. Prenatal diagnosis includes alpha- fetoprotein determination as well as an echografy. Can be prevented by 50% with folic acid intake. A multidisciplinary treatment is needed because of its severe complications.