Anencephaly

Anencephaly

• Anencephaly is a severe central nervous system developmental disorder that manifests during the embryonic stage and involves a massive malformation of the brain and cranial vault.
• Reduced or missing is the cerebrum and cerebellum.
• Neural tube deficiency includes anencephaly. During the third or fourth week of development, the neural tube fails to close, resulting in stillbirth or neonatal death.

Causes

• Unknown
• Insufficient folic acid
• genetic inheritance
• Congenital
• High levels of exposure to poisons like chromium, mercury, and leads, etc.
• Medication, such as insulin and antiepileptic drugs

Signs and symptoms

• Lack of a vault
• Lack of the brain part
• The bony cap that covers the back of the head is missing.

Diagnosis

• An ultrasound examination is frequently used to detect anencephaly before delivery.
• For the detection of neural tube anomalies like spinal bifida and anencephaly, the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and thorough ultrasound can be helpful.

Management

• It is advised to take folic acid supplements or eat a diet high in folate before and during future pregnancies.
• A genetic counselor's advice could be useful.
• If anencephaly is identified during antenatal testing, more research and pregnancy confirmation are recommended.
• If pregnancy lasts longer than 28 weeks, labor may be induced.
• 70–75% of the time, the fetus is breech or faces the mother. The parent will be gently urged to seek genetic guidance.
• Warmth and fluids are given until the neonate dies, which typically occurs before the end of the first 24 hours after birth; in most cases, a baby does not survive.