A rare cause of polyhydramnios: Neu–Laxova syndrome

Abstract

Neu–Laxova syndrome is a rare group of congenital malformations including intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), microcephaly, central nervous system alterations, facial abnormalities, ichthyosis, limb abnormalities, generalized edema, polyhydramnios, and perinatal death. Thirty cases have been identified since the publication of the first two cases and only five of them had a prenatal diagnosis. The earliest diagnosis in a published case was at week 32 of gestation. This study illustrates that the detection of the syndrome during the second trimester of gestation is possible, with emphasis on the detection of the early appearance of polyhydramnios and the association of the syndrome with the Arabic ethnic group.

Keywords:

• Neu–Laxova syndrome
• microcephaly
• central nervous system alterations
• facial abnormalities
• ichthyosis
• generalized edema
• polyhydramnios