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[Metopic suture craniosynostosis: sodium valproate teratogenic effect. Case report]
V J Assencio-Ferreira1, R Abraham, J C Veiga
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Taubaté, Taubaté, SP, Brasil. vicasfer@iconet.com.br
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|July 19, 2001
Summary
Sodium valproate use during pregnancy is linked to craniosynostosis in newborns, specifically trigonocephaly. This condition involves the premature fusion of the metopic suture, a significant teratogenic effect.
Area of Science:
- Teratology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Sodium valproate is an antiepileptic drug with known teratogenic risks.
- Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures.
Observation:
- A case report details trigonocephaly in an infant exposed to sodium valproate in utero.
- The infant's mother used sodium valproate (1000 mg daily) and phenobarbital throughout pregnancy.
Findings:
- Surgical confirmation revealed bone sclerosis over the metopic suture.
- Literature review indicates a pattern of valproate-induced metopic suture craniosynostosis.
Implications:
- Antenatal exposure to sodium valproate may cause craniosynostosis, particularly trigonocephaly.
- This highlights the importance of careful risk-benefit assessment for valproate during pregnancy.