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[Congenital Intermittent Third-degree Atrioventricular Block Associated with Retinoid Exposure in Pregnancy]
S Nijhof1, P I Kutz1, R Schulze2
1Neonatologie und Päd. Intensivmedizin, Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Datteln.
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und Neonatologie
|September 25, 2015
Summary
Intrauterine exposure to acitretin, a retinoid medication, may cause heart conduction problems in newborns. This case report highlights the risk of atrioventricular block following maternal retinoid therapy during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Teratology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acitretin, a retinoid, treats severe keratinization disorders but is highly teratogenic.
- First-trimester exposure risks include miscarriage and congenital malformations, notably heart defects.
- Cardiac conduction system disorders were not previously linked to retinoid exposure.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old woman received acitretin for dyskeratosis follicularis.
- Pregnancy was diagnosed at 12 weeks gestation; acitretin was discontinued.
- The infant presented with intermittent third-degree atrioventricular block.
Findings:
- The newborn exhibited intermittent third-degree atrioventricular block.
- Maternal autoantibodies and viral infections were ruled out as causes.
- This suggests a link between intrauterine retinoid exposure and cardiac conduction issues.
Implications:
- The teratogenic effects of retinoids may extend to cardiac conduction.
- Intrauterine retinoid exposure can lead to atrioventricular conduction failure.
- Clinicians should consider retinoid exposure in neonates with heart block.
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