Living with Spina Bifida

",,,What is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida occurs when a portion of the backbone, as well as the spinal cord beneath, do not form correctly during pregnancy. This typically results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Healthcare professionals usually are able to identify spina bifida before a mother gives birth. Each year about 1,427 babies are born with spina bifida in the United States.¹

What CDC Is Doing

Bladder and kidney health are important for everyone, but especially for people with spina bifida. They are at risk for developing kidney failure at a younger age than people without spina bifida. Regular monitoring and testing can identify kidney disease early, which may keep it from getting worse.

New research from the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry suggests that children with spina bifida may not be receiving the tests they need to monitor the health of their kidneys. The study found differences in how often patients at spina bifida clinics received tests to monitor their kidney health, and which tests were performed. Read a summary of this scientific article on kidney function surveillance [link to PubMed abstract].

CDC works to protect the kidneys of babies born with spina bifida, and reduces the need for surgery through the Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function (UMPIRE) Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida..."
Spina Bifida