Upper and lower limb reduction defects occur when a part of or
the entire arm (upper limb) or leg (lower limb) of a fetus fails to
form completely during pregnancy. The defect is referred to as a
“limb reduction” because a limb is reduced from its normal size or
is missing.
To learn more about limb reduction defects click on one of the
following links or scroll down the page.
What We Know About Limb Reduction
Defects
- How often does limb reduction defects occur?
- What problems do children with limb reduction defects have?
What We Still Do Not Know About Limb
Reduction Defects
- What causes limb reduction defects?
- Can limb reduction defects be prevented?
Resources for Families and Individuals
Affected by Limb Reduction Defects
| What
We Know About Limb Reduction Defects |
How often does limb reduction defects occur?
CDC estimates that each year about 1,500 babies in the United States
are born with upper limb reductions and about 750 are born with
lower limb reductions (1). In other words, each year about 4 out of
every 10,000 babies will have upper limb reductions and about 2 out
of every 10,000 babies will have lower limb reductions. Some of
these babies will have both upper and lower limb reduction defects.
What problems do children with limb reduction defects have?
Babies and children with limb reduction defects will face various
issues and difficulties, but the extent of these will depend on the
location and size of the reduction. Some potential difficulties and
problems include:
- Difficulties with normal development such as motor skills
- Needing assistance with daily activities such as self-care
- Limitations with certain movements, sports, or activities
- Potential emotional and social issues because of physical
appearance
Specific treatment for limb reduction defects will be determined
by the child's doctor, based on things like the child’s age, the
extent and type of defect, and the child’s tolerance for certain
medications, procedures, and therapies.
The overall goal for treatment of limb reduction defects is to
provide the child with a limb that has proper function and
appearance. Treatment can vary for each child. Potential treatments
include:
- Prosthetics (artificial limbs)
- Orthotics (splints or braces)
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation (physical or occupational therapy)
It is important to remember that some babies and children with
limb reductions will have some difficulties and limitations
throughout life, but with proper treatment and care they can live
long, healthy, and productive lives.
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| What
We Still Do Not Know About Limb Reduction Defects |
What causes limb reduction defects?
The cause of limb reduction defects is unknown. However, research
has shown that certain behaviors or exposures during pregnancy can
increase the risk of having a baby with a limb reduction defect.
These include:
- Exposure of the mother to certain chemicals or viruses while
she is pregnant
- Exposure of the mother to certain medications
- Possible exposure of the mother to tobacco smoking (although
more research is needed)
CDC works with many researchers to study risk factors that can
increase the chance of having a baby with limb reduction defects, as
well as outcomes of babies with the defect. Following are examples
of what this research has found:
- A woman taking multivitamins before she gets pregnant might
decrease her risk for having a baby with limb reduction defects,
although more research is needed (2).
- Certain sets of limb reduction defects might be associated
with other birth defects, such as heart defects, omphalocele,
and gastroschisis (3).
Can limb reduction defects be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent this type of defect, but some of
the problems experienced later in life by a person born with a limb
reduction defect can be prevented or screened if the defect is
treated early.
Even so, mothers can take steps before and during pregnancy to have
a healthy pregnancy. Steps include taking a daily multivitamin with
folic acid (400 micrograms), not smoking, and not drinking alcohol
during pregnancy.
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|
Resources for Families and Individuals Affected by Limb
Reduction Defects |
University of Virginia Health System
Cornell University
California Birth Defects Monitoring Program
References
- Canfield MA, Honein MA, Yuskiv N, Xing J, Mai CT, Collins
JS, et al. National estimates and race/ethnic-specific variation
of selected birth defects in the United States, 1999-2001. Birth
Defects Res A. 2006;76(11): 747-56.
- Yang QH, Khoury MJ, Olney RS, & Mulinare J. Does
periconceptional multivitamin use reduce the risk for limb
deficiency in offspring? Epidemiology. 1997;8: 157-61.
- Rosano A, Botto LD, Olney RS, Khoury MJ, Ritvanen A, Goujard
J, et al. Limb defects associated with major congenital
anomalies: clinical and epidemiological study from the
International Clearinghouse for birth defects monitoring
systems. Am J Med Genet. 2000;93: 110-16.
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Date:
March 11, 2009
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
