Myelomeningocele
MONDO:0019773Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. It happens when parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine. It causes nerve damage and other disabilities. Seventy to ninety percent of children with this condition also have too much fluid on their brains (hydrocephalus). This happens because fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord is unable to drain like it should. The fluid builds up, causing pressure and swelling. Without treatment, a persons head grows too big, and theymay have brain damage. Other disorders of the spinal cord may be seen, including syringomyelia and hip dislocation. The cause of myelomeningocele is unknown. However, low levels of folic acid in a woman's body before and during early pregnancy is thought to play a part in this type of birth defect.
Also known as: meningomyelocele
26 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Keyhole surgery in the womb could fix spinal defects with fewer risks
Disease control CompletedThis study tests a new, minimally invasive surgical technique to repair open neural tube defects (spina bifida) in unborn babies. Instead of opening the uterus, surgeons use a tiny camera and tools inserted through small incisions. The goal is to close the spinal defect effective…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 01, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New combo therapy may help spina bifida kids stay dry
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a mix of treatments—biofeedback, osteopathic care, behavioral training, diet changes, and electrical stimulation—to help children with spina bifida control their bladder. 66 kids aged 10-17 took part, receiving either the combo therapy or standard care for 10 we…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Cairo University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Surgery before birth may ease spina bifida damage
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a surgery performed before birth to repair a spinal defect called myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. The goal was to see if fixing the spine in the womb could reduce brain problems and nerve damage after birth. 38 pregnant women carrying fetuses wi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:04 UTC
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Keyhole surgery in the womb: a new hope for spina bifida?
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a new, less invasive surgical technique to repair spina bifida before birth. Seven pregnant women carrying babies with the condition underwent a fetoscopic procedure using small incisions and a camera. The goal was to see if the surgery was feasible and safe for…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:43 UTC
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Spinal fluid inflammation may explain tethered cord damage in kids
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study examined spinal fluid from 32 children with tethered spinal cord to see if inflammation plays a role in the condition. Researchers collected fluid samples during surgery and looked for markers of inflammation. The goal was to better understand how the spinal cord gets …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:39 UTC
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Fetal vs. postnatal surgery: which leads to better sleep breathing for spina bifida babies?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 173 infants with myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, to see if the timing of their surgery (before or after birth) affects their risk for sleep-disordered breathing. Researchers used sleep studies to measure breathing problems and later checked t…
Sponsor: University of Michigan • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:38 UTC
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Fetal surgery immune mystery: why do some babies arrive too early?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 21 pregnant women and their babies to understand how surgery before birth changes the immune system. The goal was to find out if immune system activation might cause early labor. Researchers collected blood samples and studied the placenta to track immune cha…
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:03 UTC
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Can kids with spina bifida multitask? new study finds out
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how well children with myelomeningocele (a type of spina bifida) can perform two tasks at the same time, like moving blocks while tapping a rhythm, compared to children without the condition. Researchers tested 60 children aged 7-18 using simple hand and thin…
Sponsor: Abant Izzet Baysal University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:06 UTC