Caudal Regression Syndrome in the Infant of a Woman with Pregestational Diabetes

Summary 

Objective

Caudal regression syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of caudal regression syndrome and emphasize the importance of preconception care and periconceptional euglycemic control, which should have been provided much earlier for this diabetic mother.

Case Report

This neonate with caudal regression syndrome was born to a 33-year-old Chinese woman with pregestational diabetes. Postpartum magnetic resonance imaging of this female infant showed agenesis of the lumbosacral spine from L5 and partial agenesis of L4. In spite of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in her previous third pregnancy, the diabetic mother had received no postpartum follow-up or preconception care in the current pregnancy.

Conclusion

Preconception care and postpartum follow-up for women with diabetes is important. Outpatient preconception care is needed to reduce the risk of major congenital anomalies among the offspring of women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Key Words:  caudal regression syndrome , congenital malformation , gestational diabetes , glucose challenge test , preconception care , pregestational diabetes

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