Fetal valproate syndrome.
Antenatal use of anticonvulsant valproic acid can result in a well-recognized cluster of facial dysmorphism, congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental retardation. In this report, we describe a case with typical features of fetal valproate syndrome (FVS). A 26-year-old female with epilepsy controlled on sodium valproate 800 mg/day since 3 years, gave birth to a male child with characteristic features of FVS. She also had 3 spontaneous first-trimester abortions during those 3 years. Sodium valproate, a widely used anticonvulsant and mood regulator, is a well-recognized teratogen that can result in facial dysmorphism, craniosynostosis, neural tube defects, and neurodevelopmental retardation. Therefore, we strongly recommend avoidance of valproic acid and supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy.
Department of Pediatrics, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Parmarth G
PG
Chandane
Department of Pediatrics, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Ira
I
Shah
Anticonvulsant; pregnancy; sodium valproate