Sacral agenesis (also known as sacral hypoplasia) is a rare condition in which there is an abnormality in the development of the lower part of the spine. The lower extremities may be underdeveloped or even absent.
The cause of sacral agenesis is unclear but it has a well-known association with diabetes in pregnancy. Mothers exposed to organic fat solvents, embryonal trauma, radiation, lithium salts, etc. may be at risk of having babies with sacral agenesis.
Sacral genesis can be diagnosed by an ultrasound scan usually in the second trimester of the pregnancy, but an earlier scan may also rarely show features suggestive of sacral agenesis.
A detailed scan of other baby’s structures is recommended to look for other abnormalities which may be associated with sacral agenesis. An echocardiogram or an MRI may also be performed to complete the fetal evaluation.
Sacral agenesis may be associated with maternal diabetes as well as an increase in the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. These should be looked out during the pregnancy.
In continuing pregnancies, no modification of standard obstetric management is necessary and delivery can occur vaginally at term. Your child may suffer from lower limb motor deficit, urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
The treatment and long term outcomes of the condition depends on the extent of the malformation, and may include orthopedic and urologic surgery. This is however only supportive since the primary disease is irreversible.
Sacral agenesis occurs sporadically but is much more common in infants born to mothers with pregestational diabetes. It is therefore most important to have adequate blood glucose control in the preconception period.
Disclaimer:
The content of [this leaflet/ our website] is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to medical advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialised individual medical advice relating to your individual position before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on [this leaflet/ our website]. Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on [our leaflets/ website], we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on [our leaflet/ website] is accurate, complete or up to date.
Last updated September 2019
