Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS)

ABS or Amniotic Band Syndrome is a birth defect caused by amniotic bands in the womb wrap around part of the fetus like toes or fingers. Amniotic Band Syndrome also called amniotic band constriction sequence. A congenital constriction bands or rings and amniotic deformity adhesions mutilations (ADAM), is a congenital disorder caused by entrapment of fetal parts (usually a limb or digits) in fibrous amniotic bands while in utero.

You may learn more or find support at Amniotic Band Syndrome Com. when this occurs the bands deform the effected parts creating a stub finger or toe by cutting off the growth of the effected limb. Please visit Amniotic Band Syndrome Com. and read Evan's story. An excerpt from his story follows. "My son, Evan, was born with ABS affecting his left hand and with bi-lateral clubfeet. In 1993 when Evan was born we had never heard of Amniotic Constriction Band Syndrome"

With Amniotic Banding no two cases are alike. A very good explanation from Wikipedia; "The amniotic band theory is that ABS occurs due to a partial rupture of the amniotic sac. This rupture involves only the amnion; the chorion remains intact. Fibrous bands of the ruptured amnion float in the amniotic fluid and can encircle and trap some part of the fetus. Later, as the fetus grows but the bands do not, the bands become constricting. This constriction reduces blood circulation, hence causes congenital abnormalities. In some cases a complete "natural" amputation of a digit(s) or limb may occur before birth or the digit(s) or limbs may be necrotic (dead) and require surgical amputation following birth."

All I know is the little I have read, ABS is a very bad birth defect although some others I do not know anything about may be even more horrific. There are also several facilities in the United States that have performed successful amniotic band release surgery. An MRI or ultrasound can be an effective method of diagnosis of .the bands and the damage to the fetus. There no known preventive measures.

In some cases the band will be wrapped so tight that self amputation is caused. with no known cause or cure much research must be done. Please lend your support for this birth defect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniotic_band_syndrome

http://fetus.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/amniotic/

Please see more of my work:

Clubfoot A Birth Defect

Building A Cedar Lined Chest