Poland Syndrome, a Rare Abnormality in Newborns
Poland syndrome is one of the rare birth defects. Babies with this condition are born with underdeveloped muscles in certain parts of the body, usually the chest and arm muscles.
Poland syndrome is classified as a rare birth defect, which only occurs in 1 out of every 20,000 newborns. Although this syndrome is a congenital disorder, many parents are not aware of it until the child shows more characteristic symptoms, usually at puberty.
The causes of Poland Syndrome
The causes of Poland syndrome are unknown surely. Some studies believe that there is no link between genetic factors and this syndrome. So, it is possible that Poland syndrome occurs in babies who do not have a family history of this syndrome.
Even so, other studies suggest that Poland syndrome can occur due to genetic factors, but it is very rare.
Poland syndrome is thought to occur due to disturbances in fetal development, to be precise at around 6 weeks of age. This developmental disorder is caused by a blockage in blood flow that hinders the development of organs, such as the muscles of the shoulders, arms or hands.
Signs and Symptoms of Poland Syndrome
Baby Those born with Poland syndrome have some undeveloped chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis muscles. This can cause the shape of the chest to be asymmetrical.
Apart from an asymmetrical chest shape, people with Poland syndrome can also show other symptoms, such as:
- One of the breasts looks bigger flat on one side
- Underdeveloped nipples (athelia)
- Absence of axillary hair on one side
- Shorter upper arm bones
- The fingers grow imperfectly, are too short, or stick together
While in severe cases, Poland syndrome can cause the ribs or spine in the upper back to fuse and not develop. This of course can reduce lung function, thus triggering respiratory problems.
How to Diagnose and Treat Poland Syndrome
Poland syndrome can actually be diagnosed as a baby born. However, parents usually only become aware of the symptoms after their child enters puberty, especially in teenage girls whose breasts do not seem to develop one side.
To diagnose Poland syndrome, the doctor will perform a physical examination and certain supporting examinations, such as photographs Chest X-ray and MRI.
By carrying out these tests, doctors can find out differences in bone and muscle structure so that they can determine the right treatment and according to the severity.
Plastic surgery is usually an option main to overcome body asymmetry in Poland syndrome. Later, the doctor will take muscle parts from other bodies to balance the asymmetrical parts of the chest.
In women, breast implant surgery can also be performed at the age of 17 years to ensure equal breast size.
Meanwhile, if Poland syndrome is accompanied by ribs that don't develop properly, rib grafts can be done to support the function of the chest cavity, breathing, as well as the appearance of the sufferer.
If your little one has signs of Poland syndrome, you should immediately take him to the doctor, especially if any of your family members have a history of Poland syndrome. That way, doctors are able to detect the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Label : Health
Comments
Post a Comment