Alternative Names
Amniotic Constriction Band Syndrome; Amniotic Deformity, Adhesions and
Mutilations; Amniotic band disruption complex or sequence; Congenital ring
constriction
Symptoms & Characteristics
Amniotic Band Syndrome refers to the congenital birth defects caused by the
entrapment of fetal body parts by fibrous amniotic bands during pregnancy.
Amniotic band syndrome is believed to be caused when the inner membrane
(amnion) ruptures without damaging the outer membrane (chorion). The rupture
causes fibrous sticky bands to float within the uterus sometimes entrapping the
baby and cutting off blood supply to its growing body parts.
Amniotic band syndrome may cause mild to severe abnormalities, which may
include:
- webbed fingers and toes (syndactyly)
- amputations (especially of the fingers, toes, and extremities)
- foot abnormality in which the feet are turned inward and downward (club foot)
- bone growth abnormalities
- swelling of the legs and hands (lymphedema)
- ring-like band indentations defects of the head, spine, umbilical cord
and/or body wall
Management & Treatment
Treatment for amniotic band syndrome varies depending on the severity of the
defect and which body parts are affected. Even in cases of limb amputation,
ambulation may be possible with the help of prostheses.
How Common Is It?
In the United States, up to 1 in 1,200 births are affected with amniotic
band syndrome (from mild to severe).
Genetics & Inheritance
The vast majority of cases of amniotic band syndrome are sporadic and
non-inherited.
There have been a couple of case reports in which amniotic band syndrome was
either associated with an underlying genetic condition, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or to a prenatal exposure to
methadone or certain harmful chemicals. These are rare cases, and as such, the
estimated recurrence risk for amniotic band syndrome within the same family is very low.
Genetic Testing
In the absence of a known underlying genetic condition, genetic testing for amniotic band syndrome is
unavailable.
During pregnancy, a comprehensive ultrasound (a detailed fetal ultrasound)
performed at 18-22 weeks gestation may be helpful in visualizing amniotic band
syndrome. In severe cases, second trimester blood screening may also be
abnormal. Depending on the ultrasound findings, a fetal echocardiogram (a
detailed ultrasound of the fetal heart) and amniocentesis (a prenatal
diagnostic procedure) may also be offered.
It is always recommended to see genetic counseling with a trained genetic professional to discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and recurrence risk.
- A board-certified genetic counselor is available by telephone.
Support & More Information
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Last Reviewed December 26, 2009