Amniotic band syndrome, also known as amniotic band syndrome, is a very rare condition in which pieces of tissue similar to the amniotic pouch wrap around the arms, legs or other parts of the fetus' body during pregnancy, forming a band .
When this happens, the blood cannot reach these places correctly and, therefore, the baby may be born with malformations or lack of fingers and even without complete limbs, depending on where the amniotic band was formed. When it happens on the face, it is very common to be born with cleft palate or cleft lip, for example.
In most cases, treatment is done after birth with surgery to correct the malformations through surgery or the use of prostheses, for example, but there are some cases where the doctor may suggest having surgery on the uterus to remove the band and allow that the fetus develops normally. However, this type of surgery has more risks, especially abortion or serious infection.
Main features of the baby
No two cases of this syndrome are the same, however, the most common changes in the baby include:
- Fingers stuck together;
- Shorter arms or legs;
- Nail malformations;
- Amputation of the hand in one of the arms;
- Amputated arm or leg;
- Cleft palate or cleft lip;
- Congenital clubfoot.
In addition, there are also many cases in which an abortion can happen, especially when the band, or amniotic bridle, forms around the umbilical cord, preventing the passage of blood to the entire fetus.
What causes the syndrome
The specific causes that lead to the appearance of the amniotic band syndrome are not yet known, however, it is possible that it arises when the inner membrane of the amniotic sac bursts without destroying the outer membrane. In this way, the fetus is able to continue to develop, but is surrounded by small pieces of the inner membrane, which can wrap around its limbs.
This situation cannot be predicted, nor are there any factors that contribute to its onset and, therefore, nothing can be done to reduce the risk of the syndrome. However, it is a very rare syndrome and, even if it does happen, it does not mean that the woman will again have a pregnancy of the same type.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Amniotic band syndrome is usually diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy, through one of the ultrasound exams done during prenatal consultations.
How the treatment is done
In almost all cases, the treatment is done after the baby is born and serves to correct the changes caused by the amniotic bridles, therefore, several techniques can be used, according to the problem to be treated and the associated risks:
- Surgery to correct stuck fingers and other malformations;
- Use of prostheses to correct the lack of fingers or parts of the arm and leg;
- Plastic surgery to correct changes in the face, such as cleft lip;
Since it is very common for the baby to be born with a congenital clubfoot, the pediatrician can also advise you to do the Ponseti technique, which consists of putting a cast on the baby's foot every week for 5 months and then using orthopedic porpoises until 4 years old, correcting the alteration of the feet, without needing surgery. Learn more about how this problem is handled.
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