Newborn with meroanencephaly: Surviving all odds

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies impacting brain development, associated with high morbidity and mortality.
• Anencephaly, a severe NTD, presents with a poor prognosis and has subtypes including meroanencephaly, holoanencephaly, and craniorachischisis.
• Meroanencephaly, the classic form, results from early embryonic defective neural tube closure, leading to absent cranial vault bones and exposed neural tissue.

Observation:

• Antenatal diagnosis of meroanencephaly can be suggested by ultrasound and elevated maternal alpha-fetoprotein levels.
• This report details a specific case of meroanencephaly.
• The infant with this life-threatening condition was discharged from the hospital in fair condition.

Findings:

• The case presented demonstrates a rare survival outcome for meroanencephaly.
• The management and discharge of an anencephalic infant in fair condition are described.

Implications:

• This case may inform clinical management strategies for severe neural tube defects.
• Further research into factors influencing survival and outcomes in anencephaly is warranted.
• Understanding the spectrum of outcomes in NTDs can improve patient counseling and care.