Hypervitaminosis a in early human pregnancy and malformations of the central nervous system.
A case of malformations of the fetal central nervous system following hypervitaminosis A in early pregnancy is reported. The mother was treated with 150 000 IU vitamin A daily during gestation days 19 to 40. Determination of urinary oestriol carried out in the 42nd week of pregnancy revealed a very low excretion (4.2-6.6) mumol/24 h). Induced delivery resulted in a microcephalic child who died after 18 min. The child had multiple malformations of the central nervous system and very small adrenal glands (1.5 g; normal 11 +/- 4 g). The very low urinary oestriol excretion is well explained by the hypoplastic adrenals, which in turn can be related to insufficient ACTH stimulation, a condition similar to anencephaly. The malformations shown in the present case are considered to be related to the high doses of vitamin A given to the mother, and the authors wish to warn against uncritical use of high doses of vitamin A in whomen of childbearing age.
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000139:chemically induced; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000002:abnormalities; D000328:Adult; D004964:Estriol / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008831:Microcephaly / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D013429:Sulfatases / Q000378:metabolism; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014801:Vitamin A; D013429:Sulfatases; D004964:Estriol