What is Amniotic Band Syndrome and how rare is it?

Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) occurs when fibrous strands of tissue from the inner amniotic sac wrap around a developing baby, restricting growth. It is a rare condition, affecting approximately one in 15,000 births.

What health issues did baby Ollyver face at birth?

Baby Ollyver was born with severe Amniotic Band Syndrome, resulting in deformities and loss of function, including a large open wound on his scalp from Aplasia Cutis Congenita and underdeveloped eyelids, causing him to be blind in his right eye.

Despite his conditions, how is Ollyver developing?

Neurologically, Ollyver has been incredibly lucky and his brain was not affected. He is meeting all developmental milestones, even ahead in some areas, and is described as a strong and resilient little boy.

Home / Health / Son Born With Rare Condition Defies Odds

Son Born With Rare Condition Defies Odds

19 Apr

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Summary

Baby Ollyver faced Amniotic Band Syndrome from early pregnancy.
He was born with a rare scalp wound and underdeveloped eyelids.
Despite severe challenges, Ollyver is neurologically healthy and developing.

Son Born With Rare Condition Defies Odds

Maddicyn and Daniel Brokenshire of Timaru, New Zealand, faced immense worry during their first pregnancy. Initially, Maddicyn experienced a subchorionic hemorrhage, a condition affecting about one percent of pregnancies. Later, at 20 weeks, doctors diagnosed their son, Ollyver, with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS), a rare condition affecting one in 15,000 births.

Doctors discovered the amniotic bands were attached, causing an indentation on Ollyver's nose and a smaller right eye orbit. He was born via C-section at Christchurch Hospital, initially not breathing but thankfully resuscitated. Ollyver was born with a significant open wound on his scalp due to Aplasia Cutis Congenita and underdeveloped eyelids, leaving him blind in his right eye.