Objective: To describe an instance of complete chorion-amnion membrane separation with fetal restrictive dermopathy in two consecutive pregnancies.
Methods: We performed prenatal ultrasounds in two consecutive pregnancies and evaluated gross and microscopic postnatal findings.
Results: The first pregnancy ended at 32 weeks of gestation with spontaneous chorioamniotic membrane separation and preterm premature rupture of membranes. The mother delivered an abnormal male infant with generalized fixed joint contractures, rigid and shiny skin, skin laceration around the neck, a rounded and opened mouth, and palpebral conjunctival eversion. The subsequent pregnancy was also complicated by spontaneous complete chorioamniotic membrane separation, oligohydramnios, and fetal growth restriction at 26 + 3 weeks of gestation. A immaturely born second baby also carried multiple anomalies similar to those of the first. Both infants died shortly after birth. After microscopic examination of the skin, we diagnosed the infant as restrictive dermopathy.
Conclusions: Complete separation of the chorion-amnion membrane may be regarded as a serious prenatal condition. Restrictive dermopathy or skin disorders caused by defects in collagen or elastic tissue metabolism may be one of the many causes of chorion-amnion separation.
Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.