Truemors
is reporting from
Member
NP Rank:
NP Rank:
What is Sirenomelia? Mermaid Syndrome
Share: 
by Blaine Metzgar | September 22, 2009 at 03:52 pm
2000 views | 0 Recommendations | 2 comments
Sirenomelia, better known as mermaid syndrome, is an extremely rare congenital deformity characterized by the legs being fused together forming a single appendage similar to that of a mermaid's tail. The condition affects nearly one out of every 100,000 live births and usually results in fatality within 2 days.
The condition's high fatality rate stems from abnormal kidney and bladder function and development. The condition is resultant from a failure of normal vascular supply from the lower aorta in utero. In some cases maternal diabetes has been associated with the syndrome.
A mere three people are living with the syndrome including, Shiloh Pepin who made an appearance on Oprah on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Shiloh Pepin was born in Kennebunkport Maine in August, 1999, with her lower extremities fused, a missing bladder, uterus, colon and vagina, with only one partial kidney and one ovary. Her parents initially anticipated she could expect only a few months of life. An initial kidney transplant at 4 months of age, lasted a number of years, and in 2007 a second kidney transplant was successful. She attends Consolidated Elementary School. Shiloh is the only one of the three survivors of sirenomelia without surgery for separation of the conjoined legs.
What is NowPublic?
NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 00:14 on September 25th, 2009
Luckily, she has survived despite her condition. The Mermaid syndrome takes more than a few quick personal loans and some pills to live through. There are three known survivors – Milagros Cerron, Tiffany York, and Shilioh Peppin. Mermaid Syndrome, or Sirenomelia is a condition in which the two legs are joined together, making one leg in effect. It is usually accompanied by kidney dysfunction and bladder problems. Death occurs within one to two days of birth. All 3 required extensive surgeries including transplants and bladder and bowel constructions and still have complications.
- reply
Gloria Wilson (not verified)at 07:43 on September 28th, 2009
I gave birth in June 2009 to a baby with Sirenomelia, she was stillborn, and we named her Joy, I am still dealing with the emotional problems. I am however glad that Shiloh has survived with such a dangerous condition. I will pray for.