Breathing disruptions during sleep widespread in newborns with severe spina bifida

Children with spina bifida, a malformation of the spinal cord that can lead to mobility impairments and hydrocephalus — a buildup of fluid in the brain — face significant risk of cognitive difficulties throughout their lives. A new multi-center study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Michigan Medicine finds that breathing problems during sleep are a widespread but often undetected issue among these babies and raises the possibility that early treatment might significantly improve cognitive development.