Characteristics and first-year mortality, by lesion level, among infants with spina bifida in the New York State Birth Defects Registry, 2008-2017

Background Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect. It has been associated with increased mortality, disability, and may require lifelong medical care. Higher-level lesions have been shown to be associated with increased mortality in infants with spina bifida. Methods A study was conducted using data from infants with myelomeningocele and related spina bifida reported to the New York State Birth Defects Registry for birth years 2008 through 2017. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Cox regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios for mortality by age one, by lesion level. Hazard ratios were adjusted for birthweight and maternal race/ethnicity. Results Overall survival at age one was 90.7%. Cervical-level lesions had an increased risk of mortality compared to lumbar-level lesions (HR 8.32; 95% CI: 2.56, 27.05). No statistically significant associations were found for sacral-level lesions compared to lumbar-level lesions. Conclusion These results suggest that infants with cervical-level spina bifida have a higher risk of death by age one than those with other lesion levels.

Automated summary

This study found that infants with cervical-level spina bifida have a significantly higher risk of death by age one compared to those with lumbar-level lesions. The overall survival rate at age one was 90.7%. However, no statistically significant associations were found for sacral-level lesions compared to lumbar-level lesions.