Factors affecting mortality and morbidity in adult spina bifida.

UNLABELLED: We studied 695 patients with spina bifida over 16 years old. 56 of these are deceased. The cause of death of 30 of these patients could be ascertained from the records kept at the unit. The leading cause of death was renal failure secondary to complications of the renal tract (10 patients). 8 patients died due to cardiac causes and 5 due to respiratory complications. Of the remaining, 3 patients committed suicide and 1 died of malignancy.

METHOD: This is a retrospective study from review of index cards. Individual case notes were scrutinised of patients who were deceased.