Kidney Morbidity in Pediatric Patients With Spina Bifida
-
By
-
Hannah S. Thomas
-
Rano Matta
-
Samantha Morais
-
Drew Wilton
-
Refik Saskin
-
Michael Chua
-
Amanda Hird
-
Robert K. Nam
-
Sender Herschorn
-
Sarah Neu
-
June 26, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Renal Complications in Children Diagnosed with Spina Bifida
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Spina Bifida |
| Key Mechanisms | Kidney disease as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality; association with urodynamic variables. |
| Target Population | Pediatric patients with spina bifida. |
| Care Setting | Population-based retrospective cohort study. |
Key Highlights
- 34% to 50% of pediatric patients with spina bifida develop chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Adults with spina bifida are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) approximately 20 years earlier than those without.
- Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is twice as common in adults with spina bifida compared to those without.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use validated codes from inpatient and outpatient databases to capture CKD diagnoses.
Management
- Identify clinical factors associated with CKD for risk stratification.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Longitudinal studies beginning in early childhood to clarify onset of kidney disease.
Risks
- Urodynamic-confirmed poor bladder compliance and history of vesicoureteral reflux are associated with kidney deterioration.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals diagnosed with spina bifida born in Ontario, Canada.
Focus on early identification and management of kidney disease.
Clinical Best Practices
- Conduct longitudinal studies to monitor kidney health in pediatric spina bifida patients.
- Evaluate clinical predictors for kidney disease at the population level.
Related Resources & Content
