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All About
Bladder Exstrophy and Epispadias
Symptoms
Bladder exstrophy is the most common in the larger group of birth defects called the bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC). If your child has BEEC, he or she will have one of the following:
- Epispadias. This is the least severe form of BEEC, in which the tube to expel urine (urethra) doesn't fully develop.
- Bladder exstrophy. This defect causes the bladder to form on the outside of the body. The bladder is also turned inside out. Usually, bladder exstrophy will involve organs of the urinary tract, as well as the digestive and reproductive systems. Defects of the abdominal wall, bladder, genitals, pelvic bones, final section of the large intestine (rectum) and opening at the end of the rectum (anus) can occur.Children with bladder exstrophy also have vesicoureteral reflux. This condition causes urine to flow the wrong way from the bladder back up into the tubes that connect to the kidneys (ureters). Children with bladder exstrophy also have epispadias.
- Cloacal exstrophy. Cloacal exstrophy (kloe-A-kul EK-stroh-fee) is the most serious form of BEEC. In this condition, the rectum, bladder and genitals don't fully separate as the fetus develops. These organs may not be correctly formed, and the pelvic bones are affected as well.
The kidneys, backbone and spinal cord also may be affected. Most children with cloacal exstrophy have spinal abnormalities, including spina bifida. Children born with protruding abdominal organs probably also have cloacal exstrophy or bladder exstrophy.
Causes
- Doctors aren't sure what causes bladder exstrophy to develop. Researchers think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely plays a role.
- What is known is that as the fetus grows, a structure called the cloaca (klo-A-kuh) where reproductive, urinary and digestive openings all come together doesn't develop properly in babies who develop bladder exstrophy. Defects in the cloaca can vary a lot depending on the age of the fetus when the developmental error occurs.
More about Treatment
Bladder exstrophy (EK-stroh-fee) is a rare birth defect in which the bladder develops outside the fetus. The exposed bladder can't store urine or function normally, resulting in urine leakage (incontinence).
Problems caused by bladder exstrophy vary in severity. They can include defects in the bladder, genitals and pelvic bones, as well as defects in the intestines and reproductive organs.
Bladder exstrophy may be spotted on a routine ultrasound during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, the defect isn't visible until the baby is born. Babies born with bladder exstrophy will need surgery to correct the defects.
FAQ on this Treatment
What is Bladder Exstrophy and Epispadiasis?
Bladder Exstrophy is congenital or inborn error of development which is characterised by inside out turning of urinary bladder in a such way that it lies over skin. It is commonly associated with another anomaly called Epispadias in which urine collecting duct that is urethra opens above it's natural or normal opening.It is more common in males than in females.
What are the causes of these anomalies?
These are congenital or Inborn error so causes are not known. Still failure of the Cloacal membrane to migrate and form abdominal muscles around 4-8 weeks of Intrauterine life is considered to cause these condition.
What are Risk factors for development of these anomalies?
Genetic factor coupled with Environmental factor causes this abnormality.It is seen in 1 out of 40000 newborn.Risk factors includes:
Familial: This generally runs in families
Sex: More common in males than in female.
Race: More common in whites
Environment factors such as IVF as well as Hormones also play a role in this.
How this condition is diagnosed?
Bladder Exstrophy can be diagnosed on Radiological examinations during pregnancy such as USG or CT If not after birth as this is defect which we can not miss Whereas Epispasdiasis can be diagnosed only on Genitourinary examination of Newborn. Exstrophy is usually associated with Epispasdiasis but Epispsadiasis may not necessarily present with Exstrophy.
What is wrong in Bladder Exstrophy?
Bladder Exstrophy can involve Urinary bladder, Pelvic floor and bones,Genitals and the last part of the intestine is Rectum. It can lead to exposure of these parts outside the body, Wide apart pelvis due to fusion, Anus may lie anterior, Short penis in boys and wider,shorter vagina and bifurcation of clitoris in girls.
What are symptoms of Bladder Exstrophy and Epispadiasis?
Bladder Exstrophy and Epispadiasis presents with symptoms such as Dribbling of Urine, Infection and Ulcers, Growth failure, Abnormal gait or walk. It can result in Infertility, Sexual dysfunction and Psychological problems and even bladder carcinoma if not treated.