Overview
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS), also known as amniotic band sequence, constriction band syndrome, or Streeter dysplasia, is a condition that occurs before birth when thin, string-like strands of the amniotic sac (the inner lining of the fluid-filled bag surrounding the baby) become wrapped around parts of the developing baby. These fibrous bands can restrict blood flow and interfere with normal growth, leading to a wide range of birth defects. The severity varies greatly from person to person — some babies have only mild indentations or creases on their fingers or toes, while others may experience more serious problems such as missing fingers or toes, clubfoot, cleft lip or palate, or even limb amputations that happen before birth. The condition is not inherited and typically occurs randomly. It is believed to happen when the inner membrane of the amniotic sac ruptures early in pregnancy, releasing sticky strands that can entangle the baby's developing body parts. The earlier in pregnancy this occurs, the more severe the effects tend to be. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the abnormalities. Many children benefit from surgery after birth to release constriction bands, reconstruct affected limbs, or correct other structural problems. Prosthetics and physical therapy may also be needed. In rare and severe cases, fetal surgery during pregnancy has been performed to release bands that threaten a limb. With appropriate medical care, most children with amniotic band syndrome go on to live full and active lives.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Ring-like constriction bands around fingers, toes, arms, or legsSwelling of a limb below a constriction bandMissing fingers or toes (amputation before birth)Fingers or toes fused together (syndactyly)ClubfootCleft lip or cleft palateUneven limb lengthAbnormal indentations or creases on the skinShortened or underdeveloped limbsAbnormal head or face shape in severe casesAbdominal wall defects in severe casesRestricted movement in affected limbs
Clinical phenotype terms (28)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
FDA & Trial Timeline
4 eventsHomi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre
University of Manitoba — NA
University of Nebraska — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Amniotic band syndrome.
2 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Financial Resources
1 resourcesSUPREP Bowel Prep Kit
Braintree Laboratories, Inc.
SUPREP Bowel Prep Kit — Contact Braintree Laboratories, Inc.
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Amniotic band syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Amniotic band syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Amniotic band syndrome
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: A Study of Selinexor Monotherapy in Subjects With JAK Inhibitor-naïve Myelofibrosis and Moderate Thrombocytopenia
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Amniotic band syndrome
New recruiting trial: Study of Individuals and Families With Aberrations in DDX41 or Similar Cancer Predisposition Variants
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Amniotic band syndrome
New recruiting trial: Baby ABS (Abdominal Binder Study)
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Amniotic band syndrome
New recruiting trial: Level Up! Adaptive Gaming for Children With Upper Limb Differences
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Amniotic band syndrome
New recruiting trial: The Influence of 3D Printed Prostheses on Neural Activation Patterns
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Amniotic band syndrome
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my child's amniotic band syndrome, and which body parts are affected?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, when is the best time to do it?,What kind of therapy (physical, occupational) will my child need?,Are there any risks of blood flow problems in the affected limbs that we should watch for?,Will my child need prosthetics or adaptive devices?,Is there any chance this could happen again in a future pregnancy?,Can you refer us to a support group or family network for amniotic band syndrome?
Common questions about Amniotic band syndrome
What is Amniotic band syndrome?
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS), also known as amniotic band sequence, constriction band syndrome, or Streeter dysplasia, is a condition that occurs before birth when thin, string-like strands of the amniotic sac (the inner lining of the fluid-filled bag surrounding the baby) become wrapped around parts of the developing baby. These fibrous bands can restrict blood flow and interfere with normal growth, leading to a wide range of birth defects. The severity varies greatly from person to person — some babies have only mild indentations or creases on their fingers or toes, while others may experien
How is Amniotic band syndrome inherited?
Amniotic band syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Amniotic band syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Amniotic band syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Amniotic band syndrome?
Yes — 2 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Amniotic band syndrome on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Amniotic band syndrome?
20 specialists and care centers treating Amniotic band syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Amniotic band syndrome?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Amniotic band syndrome. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.