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A cross sectional single institution study of quality of life in adult patients with spina bifida
Author(s) -
Coco Caitlin T.,
MeenakshiSundaram Bhalaajee,
Eldefrawy Ahmed,
Henry Millard L.,
Watts Tanya,
Aston Christopher E.,
Lewis Jennifer,
Frimberger Dominic C.,
Slobodov Gennady
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.23511
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , spina bifida , urinary incontinence , physical therapy , cross sectional study , pediatrics , surgery , nursing , pathology
Objective To describe and compare differences in perception of independence, urinary continence, and quality of life in an adult spina bifida (SB) population. Methods We collected data on adult neurogenic bladder patients which included demographics, relevant procedures, and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. QoL and functional outcomes were assessed using spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) and SF‐8 health questionnaire. International consultation of incontinence questionnaire (ICIQ) was used to assess incontinence. Comparisons were drawn between patients who underwent surgical reconstruction and those who did not. Student t ‐tests were used for comparisons and a P ‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Fifty‐four patients with SB were included. A total of 43% underwent bladder augmentation (BA) and 30% underwent antegrade continence enema (ACE). Patients with BA scored 49 ± 25 on the SCIM survey while those without had higher scores of 68 ± 19 with a P ‐value of 0.016. This difference remained evident when patients with ACE were excluded. When comparing ICIQ and SF‐8, no statistically significant differences were found between those who underwent surgical procedures and those who did not. Conclusions Assessing QoL in congenital NGB patients is a complex task. In our cohort, patients who underwent BA and ACE were shown to have decreased SCIM scores. SCIM scores for BA patients were significantly higher in patients who did not receive a BA independent of ACE status. SF‐8 and ICIQ scores did not show any statistically significant difference in quality of life survey scores in those who underwent procedures versus those who did not.