About Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Expertise I can answer any questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. I
am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work
in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I
have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS. I am fluent in
English, Polish, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.
Experience I am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS.
Education/Credentials I have an MD and PhD of Medicine from Northwestern University, as well as a Master's Degree in bacteriology from Poznan University of Medical Sciences.
Expert: Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Date: 12/20/2007 Subject: Legs fused together?
Question In my biology class, we were talking about genetic abnormalities, and my
teacher showed us a picture of a little girl whose legs were fused together from
birth, and were surgically separated. What is this condition called, and how
common is it?
Answer Hi Carla,
This sounds like Sirenomelia, or Mermaid Syndrome. It's very rare, and only found in 1 of every 70,000 live births. Of course, most babies with this condition die within a couple days because of kidney and bladder problems. I hope this was helpful!
