Possibilities and Limitations for Children with Myelomenigocele in Doing Self Clean Intermittent Catheterisation

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate at what age children born with myelomenigocele could do self clean intermittent catheterisation (self-CIC) independently, and to explore the children's possibilities and limitations for managing self-CIC. Material and Methods The present study took place at Section for Child Neurology. A questionnaire was administered to 54 children aged 5-16 years with myelomenigocele assessing their performance of self-CIC. The questionnaire was completed by the main investigator (M.S.) in collaboration with the parents and the child. Self-CIC requires motor and cognitive skills equivalent of 5 years of age or higher, thus only children of 5 years and older were candidates for the study. Results CIC was performed by 78% (42/54) of the children. Self-CIC was performed by 26% (11/54), the youngest child was 6 years and 11 months. The remaining 31 children were assisted in doing CIC. The following factors may explain why self-CIC was not achieved in 31 children: reduced concentration, low motivation, reduced hand function, and dependency on help from parents/caring persons. Conclusions Self-CIC is a goal for well-functioning children with myelomenigocele and we found that 26% of the children managed self-CIC. Selection of patients, interdisciplinary collaboration and treatment is important to improve the percentage of children managing self-CIC. Moreover, close collaboration with family and close caring persons is important in order to perform self-CIC successfully.