Amniotic Band Syndrome: A Review of 2 Cases

Abstract

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare congenital disorder caused by entrapment of fetal parts (usually a limb or digits) in fibrous amniotic bands while in utero that presents with complex multisystem anomalies. The authors report 2 children with amniotic band syndrome who presented to the ophthalmic unit of the authors' pediatric hospital. One of them presented with telecanthus, syndactyly, amputated toes, and unilateral epiphora diagnosed as congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. She was managed conservatively with lacrimal sac massage and provided with refractive correction while she simultaneously underwent multiple surgeries for correction of clubfoot and craniosynostosis. The second patient presented with cleft lip, cleft palate, multiple constriction bands in upper limbs and fingers with unilateral microphthalmos, microcornea, typical iris coloboma, and retinochoroidal coloboma, very similar to a case reported in literature. These 2 cases provide an overview of the clinical spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations along with their staged optimum rehabilitation.

Maternal Exposure to Mycoplasma Pneumonia and Amniotic Constriction Band: A Case Report of Probable Novel Etiology

“…ACB is a rare congenital illness that affects both sexes equally, has an unknown family association, and manifests as either complex multisystem abnormalities or minor flaws that might go unnoticed during a prenatal ultrasound scan and are only discovered after the baby is delivered [ 15 ]. Although amniotic band syndrome has been identified for more than 300 years, there is still no sufficient pathogenic explanation.…”

Amniotic Band Syndrome: Head-to-Toe Manifestations and Clinical Management Guidelines

“…10 These interventions often necessitate the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of specialists for orthognathic, orthodontic, and ophthalmologic management. 6,39 Possible interventions by the pediatric plastic surgeon include cleft lip repair, cleft palate reconstruction, facial cleft closure, macrostomia repair, and mandibular distraction osteogenesis. 10,11,37…”

“…These include prematurity, low birth weight, trauma, hemorrhage, amniocentesis, living at high altitudes, unplanned pregnancy, primiparity, maternal drug use including tobacco, or maternal illness during pregnancy such as pregestational diabetes, anorexia, and infection. 13–15…”

“…6,11,33,35–38 In addition, ophthalmologic deformities including telecanthus, epiphora, microphthalmos, microcornea, and colobomas have been reported. 39 Although the exact mechanism of facial clefting in association with ABS is unclear, it has been observed that facial clefts in the setting of ABS are more complex than isolated facial clefts, and can also present with translocation of upper extremity appendages into the facial cleft itself. 5,38…”

“…These include prematurity, low birth weight, trauma, hemorrhage, amniocentesis, living at high altitudes, unplanned pregnancy, primiparity, maternal drug use including tobacco, or maternal illness during pregnancy such as pregestational diabetes, anorexia, and infection. [13][14][15] ABS has been found to occur in association with several other systemic conditions including facial clefts, micrognathia, syndactyly, clubfeet, limb absence, renal cysts, gastroschisis, imperforate anus, and gastrointestinal obstruction. 2,[16][17][18] In addition, reduced quality of life associated with the consequences of ABS has been linked to depressive disorders, which can show improvement following surgical treatment.…”