In a rare occurrence, an infant with “Mermaid syndrome” was born in India, captivating medical professionals and the public. The baby had fused legs resembling a mermaid’s tail and survived for only a short time.

The condition, known as Sirenomelia, causes the rotation and fusion of limbs, resulting in a fish-like appearance. The infant’s upper body was functional, but the lower body was underdeveloped.

Sirenomelia is a life-threatening condition that often leads to kidney and urinary failure. Even today, the odds are stacked against those with sirenomelia, although there are a few cases of children surviving beyond childhood.

This case marks the first reported instance in India, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with the condition. The majority of individuals with Sirenomelia do not survive, passing away within days of birth.

The causes of Sirenomelia can vary, including excessive medication consumption, vitamin deficiency, heredity, family history, and maternal diabetes. Improper development of the organism and a failure of normal vascular supply from the lower aorta can also contribute to the condition.

While surgery is not possible in most cases due to the improper development, kidney transplantation may be an option in rare instances. However, the survival rate remains low.

The story of Milagros, a girl born with Sirenomelia, provides insight into the challenges faced by those with the condition. She underwent multiple hazardous procedures to separate her fused tissue and required a kidney transplant as part of her urinary tract reconstruction surgery.

Despite the complexities and rarity of Sirenomelia, medical professionals continue to explore treatment options and provide support to affected individuals and their families.