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- $Unique_ID{BRK02199}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Prune Belly Syndrome}
- $Subject{Prune-Belly Prune Belly Syndrome abnormally wrinkled stomach
- Obrinsky's Syndrome abdominal muscle deficiency lack muscles lower central
- abdomen urinary genital systems sex-linked recessive trait abdominal
- musculature support urological care bladder kidneys newborn}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Prune Belly Syndrome
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- QUESTION: My grandson was just born with an abnormally wrinkled stomach, or
- so I have been told. My daughter has been informed that he has "prune belly"
- syndrome. What is this? Is it dangerous? What must be done to help him?
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-
- ANSWER: Prune belly syndrome (sometimes referred to as Obrinsky's Syndrome or
- abdominal muscle deficiency) affects boys almost exclusively, and is caused by
- a lack of the muscles in the lower and central portions of the abdomen. It is
- also associated with abnormal development of the urinary and genital systems.
- The cause is unknown, but may be related to a sex-linked recessive trait.
- The skin of the baby's abdominal wall gets severely stretched because of
- the absence of abdominal musculature. Because much of the muscle mass is
- missing, the skin of the abdomen is severely stretched by the pressure of the
- bowel and bladder. When the pressure is relieved, the skin then collapses
- back into a mass of wrinkles, looking like the surface of a large prune, thus
- the "prune belly" syndrome. Fortunately, as long as your daughter works
- closely with a doctor who understands this problem, your grandson can lead a
- normal life.
- The baby will need proper abdominal support and he'll need diligent
- urological care.
- The physician will keep an eye on the growth and development of the
- bladder, which may be distended in the early stages of this problem. It is
- also imperative that the doctor monitor the kidneys continuously, as there are
- some cases in which the kidney degenerates. Major complications are usually
- avoided with proper care. Good luck to your grandson.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-