title: The fetal valproate syndrome.
abstract: We evaluated seven children who had been exposed to sodium valproate (or valproic acid) in utero. A consistent facial phenotype was observed in all seven in addition to other birth defects in four. The facial changes consisted of epicanthal folds which continued inferiorly and laterally to form a crease or groove just under the orbit, flat nasal bridge, small upturned nose, long upper lip with a relatively shallow philtrum, a thin upper vermillion border, and downturned angles of the mouth. Hypospadias, strabismus, and psychomotor delay were found in two males; two children had nystagmus and two had low birth weight.
mesh_terms: D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013577:Syndrome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid