New peadiatric urological guidelines for children and adolescents with Spina Bifida
12 February 2025
Continence
At the start of the new year of 2025, it is with great pleasure that we announce the publication of the updated pediatric urological guidelines for spina bifida. For this new guideline, the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) worked in equal partnership with the EAU, ESPU, and the European Reference Networks ERN eUROGEN, ERN ITHACA and ERN ERKNet. The guidelines reflect a unique collaboration whereby we actively involved persons with SBH and their families to improve existing guidelines in making them more patient-centred.
These fundamental guidelines address key challenges in the care of children and adolescents with Spina Bifida, ensuring a holistic approach to:
- Early identification of urological complications, including neurogenic bladder and voiding dysfunction;
- Standardised evaluation protocols, including urodynamic studies, imaging, and urinary tract monitoring;
- Comprehensive management strategies to prevent renal deterioration and improve bladder function;
- Recommendations for long-term surveillance to optimise urological outcomes into adolescence and beyond.
