CONGENITAL SPINAL ANOMALIES IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

Abstract

Three similar cases of agenesis of the lower spine in infants of diabetic mothers are presented with a discussion of associated skeletal and systemic anomalies. These cases are compared with 7 similar cases reported previously. A specific pathogenetic relationship to maternal diabetes mellitus is suggested, in light of the rarity of these anomalies in the general population. Possible etiologic factors have been considered in a review of animal experiments and clinical observations in human patients.