A quick guide on amniotic band syndrome
What is amniotic band syndrome?
According to the John Hopkins Medicine, amniotic band syndrome “can occur when the inner layer of the placenta, called the amnion, is damaged during pregnancy. If this happens, thin strands of tissue (amniotic bands) form inside the amnion. These fiber-like bands tangle around the developing fetus, restricting blood flow, thus affecting the growth of certain body parts. This can cause congenital deformities of limbs. In some cases, strands can tangle so tightly around the limbs of a fetus that they amputate them. Amniotic band syndrome is usually diagnosed at birth, but can sometimes be detected in the womb by ultrasound”.
In my daughter’s case it was first discovered during my 19th week ultrasound. As mentioned above the congenital deformities can take different forms. For our princess, she was born without a left foot below the knee. She also has two fused toes on her right leg and her three middle fingers on her right hand are fused and shorter. Which means that she only has a thumb and pinky that are full size.
How common is amniotic band syndrome?
Amniotic band syndrome affects about 1 out of every 1,200 to 15,000 live births. Doctors think it happens in the hand/fingers more often than in the foot/toes.
Can it be “prevented”?
No, the exact cause of amniotic band syndrome is unknown. The exact reason that the amniotic sac tears or ruptures is not always known and researchers believe that it may happen as a random occurrence. However, there are some theories out there.
What treatments are available?
This depends on the type of deformity there is. In some cases, it is possible to have a utero fetal surgery where the doctors try to release constriction caused by the amniotic band before it can cause further damage. The success of fetal surgery depends on the degree of damage that has been caused by the amniotic band.
Treatment after birth consists of plastic and reconstructive surgery, followed by physical and occupational therapy as required by the type of deformity. Prosthetics may also be recommended for children suffering from loss of limbs or limb functionality.
In our case, my daughter has syndactyly because of it, which means that she has some fused fingers together. In this case, there is the possibility of plastic surgery to separate the fingers if necessary, for the child hand function.
For her foot, the prosthetic is what is helping her walk and do all the activities a toddler her age does.
On my next post, I will be taking yoou to our prosthetic journey thus far.
