Alternative Names
Amniotic Constriction Band Syndrome; Amniotic Deformity, Adhesions and Mutilations; Amniotic band disruption complex or sequence; Congenital ring constriction
What is Amniotic Band Syndrome? Amniotic Band Syndrome 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 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
Amniotic Band Syndrome 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 Amniotic Band Syndrome? Amniotic Band Syndrome Statistics
In the United States, up to 1 in 1,200 births are affected with amniotic band syndrome (from mild to severe).
Amniotic band syndrome occurs in an estimated 1 in 3,000 pregnancies (including miscarriages) in the United States.
Rates of amniotic band syndrome outside of the United States are similar. The birth defect registry of Western Australia cites an incidence of 1.15 in 10,000 of the population.
Amniotic Band Syndrome Risk Factors & Causes
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 Inheritance & Family History
The vast majority of cases of amniotic band syndrome are sporadic and not 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.
Amniotic Band Syndrome Tests & Diagnosis
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.
Amniotic Band Syndrome Prevention & Related Issues
There is no known way to prevent amniotic band syndrome.
Amniotic Band Syndrome Support & More Information
A board-certified genetic counselor is available by telephone.
Amniotic Band Syndrome Sources