Long-term follow-up in spinal dysraphism: Outcome of renal function and urinary and faecal continence

Objective. This study evaluated the renal and functional outcome in a cohort of adolescents with congenital spinal malformations followed at this department since birth. All patients went through same follow-up and algorithm of intervention during childhood. None of the patients was treated prophylactically, apart from receiving antibiotics. Material and methods. Sixty children (31 males, 29 females), born in 1989-1995, were evaluated from June 2006 to May 2007. Ultrasound of the bladder and the upper urinary tract was performed in all patients. Surgical and pharmacological intervention, bowel function, faecal and urinary continence were registered. Renal function was assessed by