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The natural history of aminopterin-induced embryopathy
Insights
This study followed a boy exposed to aminopterin in utero for over 12 years. Despite short stature, he shows normal growth and cognitive improvements, indicating potential for self-support.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Teratology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Congenital anomalies can arise from prenatal drug exposure.
- Aminopterin, used historically for abortion, is a known teratogen.
- Long-term outcomes for children exposed to aminopterin prenatally require further investigation.
Abstract:
A boy whose mother ingested aminopterin to induce abortion and who has the characteristic anomalies caused by fetal exposure to this drug, has been followed for 12.75 yr. Despite short stature, his growth velocity is normal, and both normal endocrine studies and a radiologic bone age, retarded consistently between 2.25 and 3.0 yr, allow a predicted adult height of over 150 cm. Intelligence testing has shown a rise in full scale IQ on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale from 64 to 80 with performance increasing from 70 to 92. Psychologic assessment suggests potential for self-support in adult years.