What is Amniotic band syndrome?

Amniotic band syndrome happens when loose strips of tissue from the amniotic sac wrap around the baby during pregnancy. These strips, called amniotic bands, form when the amniotic sac tears. When the sac is damaged, it releases bands of tissue that can get tangled around the baby.

The bands can stop blood from reaching parts of the baby's body, which can affect how the baby grows. ABS can also harm the baby's organs and the umbilical cord. It can cause birth defects or even cause a baby to lose a limb.

The bands' tightness and location on the fetus's body determine the severity of ABS. Some infants are born with mild indentations on their skin, while others are born with missing limbs, fingers, or toes. When loose bands restrict blood flow from the placenta, it could result in death.

The healthcare provider can identify ABS on a prenatal ultrasound, but most of the diagnosis occurs during birth. ABS affects approximately 1 out of every 1,200 to 15,000 live births.

Other names for amniotic band syndrome include:

• Amniotic band sequence
• Constriction band/ring syndrome
• Amniotic band disruption complex
• Congenital constricting bands/rings
• ADAM complex (amniotic deformities/adhesions/mutilations)
• Streeter anomaly

What are the symptoms of amniotic band syndrome?

The symptoms of ABS depend on where the bands attach and how tightly they are wrapped around the fetus. About 80 percent of cases involve damage to hands or feet, but bands may also tighten around the head, neck, or abdomen.

Sometimes, ABS is mild and only limits blood flow to the skin. This can cause a baby to be born with rings or dents in the skin or small changes in their limbs. Other times, the bands are so tight and deep that they completely stop blood from reaching an organ or body part. This can cause a limb to be lost, loss of blood supply, or even life-threatening problems.

Other symptoms of ABS include:

• Missing fingers, toes, or limbs.
• Syndactyly (webbing or fusion between fingers and toes).
• Shortened or undeveloped limbs.
• Swelling in areas affected by the bands.
• Clubfoot
• Cleft lip and palate
• Bone deformities, including scoliosis
• Choanal atresia (underdeveloped passage in the nasal cavity)
• Microphthalmia (tiny, underdeveloped eyeballs).

What causes amniotic band syndrome?

Most research shows that amniotic band syndrome does not have a clear cause except for damage to the amniotic sac (the lining around the baby).

Causes of amniotic sac damage may include:

• Prenatal tests like CVS or amniocentesis: These tests use a needle to take a small sample of fluid or tissue from the baby. Damage from these tests is rare.
• Open fetal surgery: This is very rare and usually only done to treat very serious problems that could threaten the baby's life.

But in some cases of ABS, the amniotic sac is not damaged and is not the cause. Some researchers think ABS happens because of blood flow problems in the baby. It is also possible that some babies have a genetic problem that makes them more likely to have blood flow issues.

How is amniotic band syndrome diagnosed?

A healthcare provider usually finds ABS soon after birth when they check your baby. Sometimes, a provider sees signs of ABS on an ultrasound during pregnancy. An ultrasound can show lines from the tight bands of tissue. More often, though, the ultrasound will show missing limbs or body parts that are not growing.

How early can amniotic band syndrome be detected on ultrasound?

Signs of ABS can sometimes be seen as early as 12 weeks into pregnancy, but this is very hard to spot. More often, your doctor sees signs of ABS at your 20-week scan. If your doctor thinks you might have ABS, they may order more tests like an MRI.

How is amniotic band syndrome treated?

Treatment usually happens after your baby is born. The type of treatment depends on where the bands are and how tight they are.

Mild cases of ABS may only need a doctor to watch the baby closely. But if ABS is severe and affects how organs work, it needs quick treatment.

In some cases, surgery can fix problems like club foot, cleft lip and palate, or webbed fingers and toes. Babies or children with missing or short limbs may use artificial body parts called prosthetics. They can learn to use these with help from physical and occupational therapy.

In rare cases, a doctor may remove the amniotic bands with surgery while the baby is still in the womb. The goal is to free the bands so they do not cause more harm. This surgery is risky for both the parent and the baby. It is usually only done if the bands are life-threatening.

What complications of ABS?

ABS can cause problems, some of which last a lifetime. Some complications from ABS are very serious and can even be life-threatening, such as:

• Encephalocele (openings in the skull)
• Openings or defects in the abdomen or chest
• Damage to important body systems like the digestive system or the urinary system
• Umbilical cord complications (when the band restricts blood supply to the fetus)
• ABS often causes a premature birth, which can have its own risks. There's also an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Children with ABS may need help from physical or occupational therapy for several years or until they get used to living with missing or underdeveloped limbs.

What are the risk factors for amniotic band syndrome?

You could be at a higher risk of having a fetus with ABS if:

• Have complications of pregnancy
• Have vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
• Smoke during pregnancy
• Use drugs that are not prescribed to you or take certain medicines during pregnancy

Can babies survive amniotic band syndrome?

Yes, most babies survive ABS. The survival depends on the location and tightness of the bands.

Will the amniotic bands go away?

No. In most cases, the indentations or scars from the amniotic bands don't go away. This depends on how deeply the bands embedded themselves into the skin. Ask your healthcare provider about possible treatment options for scarring from ABS.

How can I prevent amniotic band syndrome?

Amniotic band syndrome cannot be prevented. Healthcare providers believe that most cases are random.

What is the outlook for amniotic band syndrome?

The outlook for babies with mild ABS is good. Babies born with limb differences usually do well with artificial limbs and therapy. Babies who have a lot of damage to their organs because of poor blood flow from the umbilical cord often do not survive long after birth. ABS causes about 1 in 70 stillbirths.

Living With

What is amniotic band syndrome, and how does it occur?

ABS is a big challenge in children's lives and needs a caring and supportive environment for life. Parents, family, and doctors all work together to help with the changes ABS brings. Depending on which body parts are affected, your child may need to see different doctors, like bone or nerve specialists. Support groups can also help families and siblings.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Amniotic Band Syndrome treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Amniotic Band Syndrome treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists, fetal medicine experts, and pediatric specialists for high-risk pregnancy and newborn care. We provide accurate diagnosis through advanced ultrasound and imaging, personalized treatment planning, and coordinated care before and after birth. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Amniotic Band Syndrome in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Amniotic Band Syndrome treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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