Using a Decision Tree to Guide Bowel Management in Spina Bifida.

Background: When born with spina bifida, there are numerous neurologic disorders that accompany this birth defect, including neurogenic bowel. Proactive, systematic, and rational approaches can lead to continence and a more functional lifestyle [1].

Methods: Based on the evidence in the literature and expert experience, our approach to bowel management was developed as a step by step, individualized approach.

Factors Associated with Mobility Outcomes in a National Spina Bifida Patient Registry.

Objective: To provide descriptive data on ambulatory ability and muscle strength in a large cohort of individuals with spina bifida enrolled in a National Spina Bifida Patient Registry and to investigate factors associated with ambulatory status.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of data from a multisite patient registry.

Results: Descriptive analysis of mobility variables for 2604 individuals with spina bifida aged 5 and older are presented from 19 sites in the United States.