Is your baby's belly skin wrinkled? Let's talk about Prune Belly Syndrome

Have you ever looked at your newborn baby's belly and noticed that its skin is very wrinkled, like a dried fruit? Or does it feel very weak and without any flesh? It's normal for you to be scared as a mother when you see things like this. But this could be a sign of a very rare but serious birth defect called Prune Belly Syndrome. Today, we'll talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

What is Prune Belly Syndrome?

Simply put, Prune Belly Syndrome is a very rare condition that occurs at birth. It is also called Eagle-Barrett syndrome. "Prune" is a fruit that looks like a dried grape or plum. The name comes from the fact that these children have a wrinkled appearance on their bellies.

This condition has three main symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the "triad syndrome."

1. Absence or very weak abdominal muscles: This is the main outward sign. The abdominal muscles are not properly developed, which causes the skin on the abdomen to appear saggy and wrinkled.

2. Undescended testicles: This condition mainly affects boys. Their testicles remain inside the abdomen, rather than descending into the scrotum.

3. An abnormally large bladder and urinary system problems: This is the most serious problem of this disease. The bladder becomes very large, causing serious problems with the urinary system.

These urinary system problems prevent the child from completely emptying their bladder, kidneys, and the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters).

Prune Belly Syndrome can also cause other birth defects. These include defects in the lungs, heart, intestines, and skeletal system. Although the condition can rarely affect girls, 95% of cases are reported in boys.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

In fact, doctors have yet to find a definitive cause for Prune Belly Syndrome, but there are several theories that suggest it may be the cause.

• First theory: It is thought that as the baby grows in the womb, some kind of blockage occurs in the bladder or urethra. Then, urine cannot leave the body and accumulates, causing the bladder, ureters, and kidneys to enlarge. When the bladder becomes too large, the pressure it creates prevents the abdominal muscles from growing and the testicles from descending.
• Second opinion: Because the abdominal muscles are not developing properly, it is difficult for the child to urinate. This causes the urinary system to swell, causing infections and problems.
• Third opinion: Perhaps this muscle weakness and urinary system problems have something in common, and there may be a cause that we still don't know (for example, a defect in the nervous system).

Since there have been several reports of this condition occurring in siblings in the same family, research is also being conducted to determine whether there is a genetic link to this.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

The nature and severity of symptoms can vary from child to child with Prune Belly Syndrome. However, there are some common symptoms. See the table below.

In addition, some children may also have clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is born with the foot turned inward, and spina bifida , a birth defect in which the nerves in the spine do not develop properly.

How to recognize this condition?

Most of the time, doctors can detect this condition during an ultrasound scan during your pregnancy. If not, these symptoms will be clearly visible during the first medical check-up after the baby is born.

Your doctor may perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact severity of the condition.

• Ultrasound Scan: This helps to see the condition of the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system.
• X-ray tests: There are two types of X-rays that use a special dye to be injected into the body. One is an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and the other is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). These can clearly show blockages and problems in the urinary system.
• Blood tests: These tests help determine how well your child's kidneys are working.

What are the treatments?

Because the symptoms and severity of Prune Belly Syndrome vary, there are a number of treatment options. The doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the child's condition. Often, multiple surgeries are required.

What will the child's future be like? (Prognosis)

It is difficult to give a single answer to this question, because the child's future depends on the severity of the disease, the child's age, and their overall health.

However, even with treatment, some children may develop kidney failure . Kidney failure is when the kidneys lose about 85-90% of their function, to the point where they are no longer able to function properly. Then, waste products and extra water accumulate in the body, making the child very ill. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, and swollen legs.

If the kidneys fail, the treatment is dialysis or a kidney transplant .

Finally, if you have even the slightest suspicion that your baby is showing any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately . Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment can lead to a better outcome for your baby.