Multidisciplinary Care and Outcomes in Myelomeningocele Across Childhood and Adolescence

Spina bifida is a relatively common congenital vertebral anomaly associated with various clinical problems due to neurogenic dysfunction in the central nervous system, locomotor system, and both the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. Care of these patients necessitates a multidisciplinary approach encompassing mainly neurosurgery, orthopedics, and urology. Urological follow-up starts from the neonatal period, extending through adolescence, and a structured protocol is necessary to preserve and avoid upper urinary tract deterioration.Despite the novel advances in clinical approaches, the pathophysiological and clinical evolution of neurogenic bladder dysfunction is largely unknown. With the clear delineation of these pathological steps, novel therapeutic approaches may be developed to prevent end-stage bladder disease with upper tract deterioration in these patients. This Research Topic aims to aid in the development of this clinical field.The scope of this Research Topic covers both clinical and experimental studies on neurogenic bladder dysfunction, extending from basic neuroscience to clinical approaches. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this clinical condition, a holistic approach is central to this collection. All studies related to this topic from the fields of neuroscience, orthopedics, physiotherapy, psychology, and both pediatric, adolescent, and adult urology are welcomed.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- Long-term outcomes of clean intermittent catheterization vs. surgical bladder augmentation- Urodynamic surveillance protocols and predictors of upper urinary tract deterioration- Transition of bladder management from pediatric to adult urology care- Tethered cord syndrome: detection, timing of surgical release, and outcomes- Fetal vs. postnatal myelomeningocele repair and long-term neurological outcomes- Spinal deformity (scoliosis, kyphosis) progression and surgical timing- Bowel management programs and continence outcomes- Antegrade continence enema (ACE/Malone) procedures- Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in children/adolescents with spina bifida- Family and caregiver burden, coping strategies, and support interventions- Neuropsychological/cognitive profiles (executive function, learning) in myelomeningocele- Sexual function and fertility outcomes as patients reach adolescence/adulthood- Counseling needs around puberty, sexuality, and reproduction- Validated quality-of-life/PROM instruments specific to myelomeningocele populations- Transition-of-care models from pediatric to adult multidisciplinary clinics- Health disparities and access-to-care in low-resource settings Topic editors: Ş. Kerem ÖZEL, Paul F Austin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81574/multidisciplinary-care-and-outcomes-in-myelomeningocele-across-childhood-and-adolescence