The caudal regression syndrome in infants of diabetic mothers.

Ultrasonography as part of the pre-natal diagnosis in high risk pregnancies may detect a number of fetal malformations that need to be re-evaluated for continuation or termination of pregnancy. Two fetuses, in two different patients with diabetes mellitus, were found to have significant intrauterine malformations detected by ultrasonography at 18 and 20 weeks gestational age, respectively. Post-mortem examination on both fetuses demonstrated the findings known as the caudal regression syndrome. The clinico-pathological features and obstetrical management of diabetic mothers whose pregnancies are complicated with this rare malformation are discussed.