Neuro-urological management of the neuropathic bladder in children with myelodysplasia

Abstract

Myelodysplasia, which refers to developmental anomalies of the spinal cord caused by closure defects of the neural tube, is the leading cause of neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) in children. Myelo - menin gocele (MMC), the most common form of open spinal dysraphism, constitutes at least 90% of neural tube defects compatible with life leading to NBD. Classification and terminology of neural tube defects is beyond the scope of this chapter and is discussed elsewhere in this book. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Italia.