Lower Limb Development and Sirenomelia

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the development of the lower limb from the third week of gestation until birth, that is, from ventrolateral swelling until the development of foot plates and the rotation of the lower limb. It then discusses the rare congenital defect known as sirenomelia, or mermaid syndrome. It describes the most common anomalies of sirenomelia and discusses what is understood about the etiology of this malformation.

Table of Contents:
Lower Limb Development
Sirenomelia

From the Paper:

"Some scientists believe sirenomelia to be linked to Caudal Regression Syndrome. This condition is a consequence of abnormal development of derivatives of the caudal mesodermal axis before 28 days gestation of the embryo (Kallen, 1973). Sirenomelia has also been associated with maternal diabetes. Scientists believe that the altered oxidative metabolism from diabetes may lead to increased production of free oxygen radicals in the developing fetus, which could be teratogenic (Kadian, 2008). Keeping that in mind, as the average body mass index of humans increases so does the incidence of maternal diabetes. This increased incidence of diabetes might lead to an increase in the number of babies born with birth defects like sirenomelia in the future."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Colby, RS. Sirenomelia. Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II, 2005. Retrieved February 25th, 2009 from http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/sirenomelia-1
• Hilbelink DR, Kaplan S. Sirenomelia: Analysis in the cadmium and lead-treated golden hamster. Teratology Carcinog 6:431-440, 1986.
• Kadian YS, Duhan N, Rattan KN, Rawal M. Sirenomelia (mermaid syndrome): A rare anomaly. Afr J Paediatr Surg 2008;5:105-6
• Kallen B, Winberg J: Caudal mesoderm pattern of anomalies: Transrenal agenesis to sirenomelia. Teratology 9:99, 1973.
• Marino, TA. Development of the Limbs. Retrieved February 25th, 2009, from http://isc.temple.edu/marino/embryology/limbdev.htm

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