Mayer Rokistanky Kuster Hauser Syndrome-The Psychological and Socio-cultural Implications In Nigerians

Abstract

Background: Most cases of reported Mayer-RokinstankyKuster-Hauser Syndrome(MRKH) were from developed countries. The relevance of procreation in less developed nations, prevalent illiteracy and poverty made it necessary to examine MRKH in our context. Material And Methods: Socio-demographic information was collected after informed consent from patients with the aid of questionnaires. The findings on clinical and radiological examinations were analysed and reviewed. Results: Most of the patients presented rather late in our environment with the mean age of presentation being 31 years. Most of the patients were poorly educated with meagre income. Renal anomaly was the commonest anomaly and ectopic kidney was the commonest of all renal anomalies. The commonest skeletal anomaly was spinal bifida occulta. There was a very high incidence of divorce/separation and depression amongst the patients after diagnosis despite counselling and follow-up. Conclusion: MRKH diagnosis has a devastating psychological and socio-cultural effects on the patients. There is a need to further educate the populace, improve the economy and make health services including assisted reproductive facilities accessible and affordable.

Keywords

• mrkh renal anomalies
• pschochological sociocultural