Outcome analysis of the psychosexual and socioeconomical development of adult patients born with bladder exstrophy.

Since sonographic evaluation of the fetus became routine, prenatally established diagnosis of multiple or severe malformations raises the question of whether a pregnancy should be terminated. To answer this question properly, all aspects concerning the life of a child born with a serious malformation, such as exstrophy of the bladder, must be considered. Therefore, more than ever an evaluation of the quality of life of these patients is necessary to be able to make a solid based decision. We studied the psychosexual and socioeconomic development of 22 adult exstrophy patients (11 men and 11 women) by a standardized personal interview, evaluation of a standard performance test SCL-90 (symptom checklist 1990) and an adapted personality score test. The latter 2 tests are well established and provide reproducible results. Based on several large scale investigations, standard scores are available. Nine women (82%) and 10 men (91%) scored better or in accordance with the standard scores. Exstrophy of the bladder does influence the psychosexual and socioeconomic development. The quality of life is hardly ever considered so poor that termination of pregnancy is a realistic alternative.