Urinary Tract Problems in Spina Bifida

Summary Urinary tract abnormalities are more common in spina bifida cystica than has been appreciated in the past. After meningitis and hydrocephalus, renal failure is an important cause of chronic ill health or death. Early and accurate assessment of urinary tract function will, I hope, prevent later and intractable renal disease, which causes a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This problem must be considered almost as urgent as the associated neurological and orthopaedic problems of spina bifida. In general, contrary to popular thought, the baby with partial bladder control is in more immediate danger than his fellow with dribbling incontinence. Much work remains to be done to understand the basic physiology of normal and abnormal bladder and ureteral function. Through this unique society we have the opportunity to assess the incidence and investigate the many problems of spina bifida; not the least of these are the urinary ones. A prospective study is now under way.