Hunt, G.M. (2003). Outcome in people with open spina bifida at age 35: Prospective community-based cohort study. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 326(7403), 1365-1366.

doi: 10.1136/bmj.326.7403.1365

A survey of surviving adults with spina bifida myelomeninocele was conducted. The study looked at multiple aspects of the person's life including hospitalization, independence of lifestyle, associated health problems, and present level of disability. Studies of adults with spina bifida were not well represented in the larger field of research; as such, this article provides invaluable insights into the ongoing care that is required for surviving patients.

Lindgren, C.L., Burke, M.L., Hainsworth, M.A., & Eakes, G.G. (1992). Chronic sorrow:

A lifespan concept. Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing Practice, 6(1), 27-40. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5035235041

A more global perspective on how parents of children with chronic illness channel their grieving. The article addresses myelomenginocele in terms of psychological effects it has on families. It briefly addresses the profound impact of the severe disability of a child and discusses coping strategies.

Moretti, M.E., Bar-Oz, B., Fried, S., & Koren, G. (2005). Maternal hyperthermia and the risk for neural tube defects in offspring. Epidemiology, 16(2), 216-219. doi: 10.1097/01.ede.0000152903.55579.15

This article concerns a systematic review of several studies into myelomeningocele in the interest of determining whether a mother's high body temperature could cause risk of an infant developing the condition in utero. The study found that maternal hyperthermia did increase risk.

Norup,...

(1998). Limits of neonatal treatment: A survey of attitudes in the Danish population. Journal of Medical Ethics, 24(3), 200-206. doi: 10.1136/jme.24.3.200
Similar to the Canadian study previously discussed, this is a look at the controversy behind life-prolonging treatment from the perspective of Danish citizens. A survey was sent out to measure whether the general public felt that infants with myelomeningocele should be kept alive by treatment, taking into account parental desires, severity of condition, and quality of life in cases where treatment was not possible. The article is an interesting exploration into cultural perspectives on disability.

Parkin, P.C., Kirpalani, H.M., Rosenbaum, P.L., Fehlings, DH, Van Nie, a., Willan, a.

R., & King, D. (1997). Development of a health-related quality of life instrument for use in children with spina bifida. Quality of Life Research, 6(2), 123-132. Retrieved

April 1, 2011, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4035333

Through the use of structured interviews, this study focused on the quality of life of children with myelomeningocele. The article admirably took aim at collecting data about a child's view of his or her health.

Wickelgren, I. (1989). Spina bifida: Paralyzing fluid in the womb? Science News, 135(22),

342. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/3973520

Using the fetuses of lab rats, scientists conducted an experiment to determine whether exposure to amniotic fluid is a risk factor for human fetuses to develop myelomeningocele spina bifida. The ability to translate these results to humans is discussed, with both fetal surgery and premature delivery given as potential future options.