Gender and spina bifida--some misconceptions.

1367 survivors (997 myelomeningoceles, 207 meningoceles, 81 lipomas of the cauda equina and 82 encephaloceles) were included in this study of sex differences. Contrary to widespread opinion, very few differences were observed. Myelomeningocele patients had significantly lower IQs, smaller heads and thinner brains. However, these differences were small and clinically inconsequential. There were no significant differences in degree of physical handicap. Any differences which were found tended to reflect research findings from the nonhandicapped population. Likewise, the males and females with meningoceles, lipomas and encephaloceles were remarkably similar in their intellectual and physical handicap characteristics. Sex differences in patients with neural tube malformations are of minimal significance and only likely to affect clinical decisions in the area of genito-urinary problems.