Profile of Patients with Myelomeningocele of Mogi das Cruzes City

Abstract

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital malformation and often occurs between the third and fifth week of gestation. The objective of this work was to verify the profile and socioeconomic level of the patients with MMC in Mogi das Cruzes. Two questionnaires were applied to parents of children with MMC, one seeking profile and the other the socioeconomic level of the patients. The results showed higher prevalence among females, with higher incidence in lower lumbar region. Most cases were diagnosed in the prenatal period and submitted to the correction within 48 hours of birth. Hydrocepha­lus was present in all cases, ventriculoperitoneal shunt was done in half of the cases. All children had urinary infection, the most pre­sented orthopedic deformities, the majority have presented congeni­tal clubfoot. Almost 50% of the analyzed cases performed surgery to repair it. Although all used ankle-foot orthoses, only 62.5% practiced physiotherapy. For the social economic and cultural aspect the most were studying in regular schools and socially they belong to class C. Only 56.25% of parents had good knowledge about the disease which victimize their children. It was concluded the great importance of knowing the patient profile so that professionals can perform more adequately their treatments and guidelines.