Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hydrocephalus among male and female patients of myelomeningocele.
Methodology: The study was carried out in Dow Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of 50 patients of myelomeningocele from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. They were examined for the presence of cyst. Other conditions of neural tube defects like anencephaly, encephalocele were not included in the study.
Results: Most of the patients suffering from myelomeningocele were males (62%). Myelomeningocele had associated hydrocephalus (MAH) in 25% males 42% females.
Conclusion: Association of hydrocephalus with myelomeningocele was found in few cases at birth. However, as the defect repairs, chances of hydrocephalus might increase. Myelomeningocele was mostly present in males but when it was associated with hydrocephalus, it was mostly seen in females.

Key words: Myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, neural tube defects, anencephaly,encephalocele.