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. 1981 Nov;56(11):822–830. doi: 10.1136/adc.56.11.822

Results of selective treatment of spina bifida cystica.

J Lorber, S A Salfield
PMCID: PMC1627397  PMID: 6458248

Abstract

The results of selective treatment in 120 infants with open spina bifida, admitted between May 1971 and December 1976, were prospectively studied. Seventy-one infants had adverse criteria at birth and were not treated. They all died, more than 90% of them within 6 months of birth. Seven had meningocele. All were treated and survived without handicap. Forty-two infants with myelomeningocele were actively treated. Thirty-six survive at follow-up after 3 to 9 years. The quality of survival is much better than when selection was not used but 8 children have moderate or severe handicaps. The parents were fully informed and consulted at every decision-making step; they fully supported the principle of selection and the action taken on behalf of their own child.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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