[Foetal therapy for spina bifida].

Spina bifida is the most common congenital birth defect involving the central nervous system. It results in central and peripheral abnormalities. Patients with severe spina bifida may have a lifelong disability with dependence on medical and social supportive care. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that, for a selected number of patients, prenatal closure of the defect resulted in a better neurological outcome than postnatal surgical repair. Prenatal surgery of spina bifida is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and obstetric complications and is not yet considered the standard of care in the Netherlands. In case of a prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida, the pregnant woman is entitled to full information about the possibility of prenatal treatment and to a possible referral for this.