Anencephalie
- Article
- 2021-03-02
Anencephaly is a defect in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development. The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes between the 3rd and 4th week of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. Anencephaly occurs when the "cephalic" or head end of the neural tube does not close, resulting in the absence of much of the brain, skull, and scalp. Babies with this condition are born without a forebrain (the front part of the brain) and a large brain (the thinking and coordinating part of the brain). The remaining brain tissue is often exposed - not covered by bone or skin. A baby born with anencephaly is usually blind, deaf, unconscious and cannot feel pain. While some people with anencephaly can be born with a vestigial brain stem, the lack of a functioning cerebrum permanently rules out the possibility of ever regaining consciousness. Reflex actions such as breathing and responses to sound or touch can occur.
The cause of anencephaly is unknown. While it is thought that a mother's diet and vitamin intake may play a role, scientists believe that many other factors are involved as well.
Recent studies have shown that the addition of folic acid (vitamin B9) to the diet of women of childbearing potential can significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. It is therefore recommended that all women of childbearing age take 0.4 mg of folic acid daily.
Therapy
There is no cure or standard treatment for anencephaly. Treatment is supportive.
Prognosis
The prognosis for babies born with anencephaly is extremely poor. If the child is not still born, it usually dies within a few hours or days of birth.
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