Anencephaly: A Case Report

Abstract

Anencephaly is a catastrophic neural tube defect resulting from incomplete closure of the anterior neuropore during early embryonic development. The anomaly leads to absence of major portions of the cranial vault and cerebral hemispheres, rendering the condition incompatible with sustained life. Most affected foetuses are stillborn or die shortly after birth.
This case report describes a female infant who survived for one year with anencephaly under supportive and palliative care. She was delivered preterm at 34 weeks of gestation following prenatal detection of cranial abnormalities. Postnatal assessment confirmed absence of the cranial vault and forebrain structures. Management focused on maintaining physiological stability, preventing infections, ensuring nutritional support, and providing continuous parental counselling. Despite comprehensive supportive care, the child eventually succumbed to complications related to recurrent respiratory infections.
This case highlights the importance of antenatal screening, periconceptional folic acid supplementation, genetic counselling, and compassionate multidisciplinary care in managing lethal congenital anomalies.