University Of Arizona Receives $1.7 Million For Spina Bifida Research

University Of Arizona Receives $1.7 Million For Spina Bifida Research

Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson received $1.7 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve knowledge regarding the prevalence, mortality and health outcomes for people of all ages living with Spina bifida.

Spina bifida occurs when the embryo’s spinal cord does not properly close during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy, resulting in a gap in the spine. Reports from the CDC state that bifida occurs in 1 of every 2,875 births in the United States yearly.

Spina bifida can affect the body differently, whether mild or severe. It can cause mobility issues, urinary system complications and cognitive difficulties. Advancements in health care have led to a reduction in cases of Spina bifida.

This project supplements the efforts of the CDC-sponsored National Spina Bifida Patient Registry by including longitudinal data for individuals with Spina Bifida who speciality care clinics are not treating.

The funding will allow researchers to work with project sites to collect clinical data on spina bifida patients of all ages to increase knowledge of the Spina bifida population, regardless of where individuals receive care.

Once collected, the data could inform clinicians, public health programs, the spinal bifida community and the public about the health status and results of people with Spinal Bifida.

“We want to ensure everyone has access to resources needed for optimal health and a high quality of life,” Andrews said. “To do this, we need better data on what gaps and unmet needs exist for people with Spina bifida across all ages.”