Congenital malformations associated with the administration of oral anticoagulants during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Teratology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Oral anticoagulant medications are widely used during pregnancy.
• The first trimester is a critical period for fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report potential congenital abnormalities associated with maternal oral anticoagulant therapy during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• To investigate the link between first-trimester anticoagulant exposure and specific infant malformations.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing three infants born to mothers who received oral anticoagulants during the first trimester.
• Clinical and radiological assessment of infant physical and skeletal development.

Main Results:

• All three infants exhibited hypoplasia of the nasal bones.
• Two infants presented with stippling of epiphyses and bones, along with hand bone deformities.
• One infant was diagnosed with mental retardation.

Conclusions:

• Maternal oral anticoagulant therapy during the first trimester may be associated with a spectrum of congenital abnormalities.
• These abnormalities include nasal bone hypoplasia, skeletal malformations, and potential neurodevelopmental deficits.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the teratogenic potential of oral anticoagulants in early pregnancy.