Encephaocoeles in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Neural tube defects constitute a considerable part of the workload of the paediatric neurosurgeon. Although much less frequently encountered than myelomeningocoeles, encephalocoeles cause a lot of psychological trauma to parents and concerned others. A prompt and appropriate neurosurgical intervention is almost always necessary Material & Methods: The authors observationally studied patients with encephaloceles that were managed at their tertiary center. Consecutive prospective data were collected on demographics and clinical, imaging, associated anomalies, parents' profiles including the antenatal history and treatment modalities of the cohort over 5 years period. Descriptive statistics were used and the data were analyzed with SPSS version 21. (Armonk, NY:IBM Corp) Results: 34 patients were managed over the period under review. The age at initial presentation varied from 1 day to 8 years, with a mean age of 32.5 weeks. Up to 23.5% presented within the 1st week of life. This rises to 50% at 8 weeks, and 82.4% by age of I year. 22(64.7%) males and 12 (35.3%) females. Ratio M: F - 1.8:1. Resident in rural area (58.8%). Vaginal delivery 100% with one ruptured encephalocele (2.9%). Posterior encephalocele 23 patients (67.6%), anterior 8 (23.5%). Mean maternal and paternal ages were 28.5years (SD of 5.5) and 37.4 years (SD of 7.1) respectively. The most common associated abnormality was hydrocephalus in 6 patients (17.6%). No mortality. Conclusion: Encephalocoeles are not uncommon in Enugu, with a male pre-ponderance. Most were occipital. Hydrocephalus is the most common associated anomaly. There is high degree of unawareness. No mortality

Keywords

• encephalocele
• presentation
• management