Amnion Rupture Sequence

Abstract

Amnion rupture sequence can result in limb reduction defects, amputations, ring constrictions, and distal syndactyly as well as various other anomalies such as craniofacial clefts and body wall deficiency. The severity of anomalies varies from a single ring constriction to severe abnormalities incompatible with life. Limb defects are most frequently observed. The lower limbs are more severely and more frequently affected, and distal structures are more often and more severely involved than are proximal structures. Limb abnormalities include congenital amputations of one or more limbs or digits, ring constrictions, lymphedema below the ring constriction, distal syndactyly, and talipes equinovarus. Less frequent limb abnormalities include a missing forearm bone or lower leg bone, radial and ulnar hypoplasia, ectrodactyly, and absence of an entire limb. The birth prevalence for the amnion rupture sequence is 1.17 per 10,000 live births. ADAM complex (amniotic deformity, adhesions, mutilations) refers to the association of constriction bands with cleft lip and palate as well as other facial malformations. Limb and/or body wall defect refers to constriction bands that affect internal organs, most frequently the head, lungs, heart, diaphragm, kidneys, and gonads.