Urinary nerve growth factor level in children with neurogenic bladder due to myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE

Myelomeningocele is the most common physically disabling birth defect in humans. It is caused by the failure of the neural tube to close and is most common in the lumbosacral area. Because of associated neurogenic bladder dysfunction, children with myelomeningocele have an increased risk of urinary tract infections and, ultimately, of kidney damage. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an important mediator inducing bladder overactivity in many pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary NGF excretion in children with neurogenic bladder caused by myelomeningocele.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The investigation was conducted into two groups. Group 1 comprised 28 children with neurogenic bladder, and group 2 comprised 20 healthy children with no abnormalities in the urinary and nervous systems. Urinary NGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Median urinary NGF concentration in group 1 was higher when compared with healthy controls. Positive correlations between urinary NGF level and detrusor pressure at maximum bladder capacity, and negative correlations between NGF and bladder wall compliance were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary NGF levels were significantly elevated in patients with myelomeningocele. Future studies are needed to examine further the significance of urinary NGF levels in the pathogenesis of neurogenic bladder in this clinical condition.