Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialCryopreserved human umbilical cord as a meningeal patch during in utero spina bifida repair in a modified ovine model.
Despite in utero spina bifida (SB) repair, more than two-thirds of patients with SB are unable to ambulate independently, and 1 in 4 children need surgery for tethered cord by school age. The objective of this study was to test the cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) as an antiscarring material to reduce tethering and improve function in a modified in utero SB repair model. ⋯ In a modified ovine SB model, the HUC as a meningeal patch allows regeneration of the arachnoid layer, prevents spinal cord tethering, and improves spinal cord function after in utero SB repair.