Anencephaly
What is anencephaly in children?
Anencephaly is a condition that is present at birth (birth defect). It affects the
brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often
lacks part or all of the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the area of the brain used for
thinking, seeing, hearing, touch, and movement. There is also no bone on the back
of the head. Bones may also be missing on the front and sides of the head. Anencephaly
is a type of neural tube defect. It occurs in about 1 of every 4,600 births in the
U.S. each year. The exact number isn't known because many of these pregnancies end
in miscarriages. This condition most often leads to death in days or weeks.
How to say it
an-ehn-SEHF-uh-lee
What causes anencephaly in a child?
During pregnancy, the brain and spine begin as a flat plate of cells. This plate rolls
into a tube called the neural tube. The tube is completely formed 28 to 32 days after
conception. If all or part of the neural tube fails to close, this leaves an opening.
The opening is called an open neural tube defect. The opening in the tube may be left
exposed. Or it may be covered with bone or skin. Anencephaly is when the neural tube
fails to close at the base of the skull.
Neural tube defects may be caused by genes passed on from both parents and by environmental
factors. Some of these factors include obesity, uncontrolled diabetes in the mother,
opioid use (prescription or illegal), especially early in pregnancy, and some prescription
medicines. In most cases, a child with a neural tube defect has no family history
of this problem.
Which children are at risk for anencephaly?
Once a child with a neural tube defect has been born in the family, the chance that
this problem will happen in another child rises to 1 in 25. The type of neural tube
defect can differ the second time. For instance, one baby could be born with anencephaly.
A second baby could have spina bifida instead. (Spina bifida is a neural tube defect
in which part of the spinal cord protrudes from the back.) Children born to mothers
taking certain medicines are at risk of anencephaly. It's important to talk with your
healthcare provider about the safety of your medicines before you become pregnant.
Don't stop or change your medicines without first talking with your healthcare provider.
What are the symptoms of anencephaly in a child?
Symptoms can be a bit different for each child. They can include:
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No bones on the back of the head
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Missing bones on the front and sides of the head
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Large areas of brain missing
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Folding of the ears
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Split in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate)
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Congenital heart defects
Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health conditions.
How is anencephaly diagnosed in a child?
The diagnosis of anencephaly may be made during pregnancy. Tests done during pregnancy
to check for anencephaly include:
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Blood test. A test called a quad screen measures four substances in the mother's blood to see
if there's an increased risk for neural tube defects and other problems. This test
is done between 15 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It measures levels of alpha-fetoprotein
(AFP) and other things in the blood. AFP is a protein made by the baby growing in
the uterus. If a baby has an open neural tube defect, the AFP level in the mother's
blood will be higher than normal. The test isn’t conclusive. But it can show if your
baby is at risk for an open neural tube defect. The test can show if you need more
testing. It's advised that this blood test be offered to all pregnant women.
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Prenatal ultrasound. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to make images of
blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds let healthcare providers see the internal
organs as they function. They also show blood flow through blood vessels. Prenatal
ultrasound may be able to find an open neural tube defect. Your healthcare provider
may also use ultrasound to look at other organs and body systems of the baby.
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Amniocentesis. This test looks at a small sample of the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus.
The healthcare provider uses a long, thin needle to reach the amniotic sac. They take
the fluid sample and check it for AFP. The test may not be able to find small or closed
defects.
After birth, a diagnosis is made by physical exam. The baby's head often looks flattened
because of the abnormal brain growth and missing skull bones.
How is anencephaly treated in a child?
There is no cure or standard treatment for anencephaly. Treatment is supportive. This
means efforts are made to keep the baby as comfortable as possible. Anencephaly most
often leads to death in days or weeks. Grief counseling services are available to
help parents cope with the loss of their child.
How can I help prevent anencephaly in my child?
The neural tube closes 28 to 32 days after a baby is conceived. This is before many
women are aware that they are pregnant. Normal brain and spinal cord development may
be affected during these first 3 to 8 weeks of pregnancy by:
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Not enough vitamins such as folic acid and other nutrients
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Infection
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Using opioids, certain prescription medicines, or alcohol
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Being around hazardous chemicals and other substances
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Genetic problems
Researchers have found that getting enough folic acid (vitamin B-9) can help lower
the risk for neural tube defects. Folic acid is found in some leafy green vegetables,
nuts, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified breakfast cereals. It's advised that all women
of childbearing age take a multivitamin that has folic acid. Folic acid is in prenatal
vitamins. Getting this vitamin before a woman knows she's pregnant and early in pregnancy
is most important. Some medicines taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of
neural tube defects. Your healthcare provider may advise extra folic acid or other
management, even before you get pregnant.
If you've had a child with a neural tube defect, your healthcare provider may advise
taking a larger amount of folic acid before your next pregnancy. Your healthcare provider
may tell you to take this extra amount for 1 to 2 months before conception and then
through the first trimester.
Your healthcare provider may also advise genetic counseling. You can discuss with
a counselor the risk for a neural tube defect in a future pregnancy. Also talk with
your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for folic acid to lower the
risk for another open neural tube defect.
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Call the healthcare provider if you have questions about the symptoms your baby is
having or if your baby acts uncomfortable. If you're able to take your baby home,
ask about hospice support.
Key points about anencephaly in children
-
Anencephaly is a condition that is present at birth (birth defect). It affects the
brain and skull bones.
-
With this condition, the baby's brain isn't fully formed. There is also no bone on
the back of the head. Bones may also be missing on the front and sides of the head.
-
Anencephaly most often leads to death in days or weeks.
-
This condition is a type of neural tube defect. These are caused by genes passed on
from both parents and by environmental factors.
-
You may need tests while you're pregnant to check for anencephaly in your growing
baby.
-
If you've had a child with a neural tube defect, your healthcare provider may advise
genetic counseling.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you
for your child.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
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Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
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Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This
is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Online Medical Reviewers:
- Joseph Campellone MD
- Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
- Ronald Karlin MD