Introduction and hypothesis: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the leading health concerns and causes of hospitalization for adults with spina bifida (SB). The risk factors, evaluation, management, and prevention of UTIs in women with SB must take into consideration their unique pelvic anatomy and function as well as the desire for pregnancy or the occurrence UTI during pregnancy. This article reviews published literature regarding this topic and offers recommendations for UTI evaluation, management, and prevention in the context of the unique pelvic floor health needs of women with SB.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the following keywords: spinal dysraphism, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, meningocele, urinary tract infections, females, and adults. Articles were included if they were in English, published during or after 2000, peer reviewed, included women with spina bifida aged 18 or greater, and included outcomes related to urinary tract infection.
Results: No articles met inclusion criteria.
Conclusion: As no articles were found based on the initial search criteria, articles pertaining to neurogenic bladder UTI risks, evaluation, and management were discussed to develop consensus recommendations for the unique care of UTIs in women with SB.
Keywords: Myelomeningocele; Neurogenic bladder; Pelvic floor health; Spina bifida; Urinary tract infections; Women.
© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.