Causes of Caudal Regression Syndrome
Caudal regression syndrome may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. These include:
– Mesoderm: This is the middle tissue layer in the growing embryo that contains a cluster of cells for forming organs and bones of the fetus. Some genetic changes may happen around week 4 of pregnancy and affect the growth of the mesoderm.
– Diabetes: If the pregnant mother is diagnosed with diabetes, changes in her metabolism and levels of blood glucose would affect the development of the fetus in the womb.
– Abdominal artery abnormality: The artery is important for carrying blood to different areas of the body. For a growing fetus, the one that carries blood to the lower area may face a different direction than toward the lower area of the body. This keeps blood from reaching that part.
– Genetic mutation: Some changes to the genes, especially VANGL1 or HLXB9, may happen during conception and lead to caudal regression syndrome.
In some cases, caudal regression syndrome may occur randomly or sporadically. It means the cause is not clear. [2]
