Spalding's sign

Spalding's sign is a medical sign observed in pregnancy when there is fetal death and subsequent maceration. It is named after the British obstetrician James Spalding who first described it in 1863.

Definition

Spalding's sign is defined as the overlapping of the fetal skull bones, which can be palpated through the maternal abdomen or visualized on ultrasound. This sign is indicative of fetal death and subsequent maceration, which is the softening and breaking down of skin after prolonged exposure to moisture.

Clinical significance

Spalding's sign is a significant clinical finding in the diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). It is usually observed several days to weeks after the death of the fetus. The sign is a result of the loss of integrity of the fetal skull, leading to overlapping of the cranial bones. This can be palpated through the maternal abdomen or visualized on ultrasound.

History

Spalding's sign is named after the British obstetrician James Spalding, who first described it in 1863. Spalding was a pioneer in the field of obstetrics and made significant contributions to the understanding of pregnancy and childbirth.

See also

• List of eponyms in medicine
• List of medical symptoms
• List of medical signs