Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 6/5/2004
Question i am 22 years old with 2 healthy children and am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child .i had to have an ultra sound done this passed tuesday and when i had the ultra sound done the drs told me that my daughters long bones are short they are measuring at where they should be if i was 27 weeks and they also said that her chest is measuring very small,what they are telling me is that she has skeletal dysplasia
the kind they are calling it is campomelic dysplasia,but they are also saying that when they were trying to get her chest measurements she was making a lot of breathing movements ,i have to go for another ultrasound on thursday but what i want to know is what are the chances that she will make it and be ok? and i want to know what i have to do to get a second oppinion from another dr or hospital
Answer Fetal skeletal anomalies (skeletal dysplasias) sometimes are seen on routine sonograpnic examination. Depending on their characteristics, they have a variety of prognoses. The diagnosis is based on objective evidence of limb length and growth, and subjective assessment of shape, density, and proportion. Usually "Camptomelic dysplasia" is characterized by limb reduction and extreme bowing of the long bones. Other features include cleft palate and generalized hypotonia. Unfortunately perinatal death is common. It is common for any fetus at 34 weeks gestation to be making breathing movements. Cetainly I would repeat the ultrasound on Thursday and discuss the results with the radiologist immediately. If only a sonographer is there, demand to see a radiologist to discuss the results. There is no reason for you to agonize and wait several days for an answer. Then discuss it with your obstetrician, as well. If you are not happy with the explanation, get a second opinion. (Get copies of the sonogram films and bring them to another radiologist, preferably one who specializes in fetal malformation.) Good Luck to you.
