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[Severe bone malformations in fetal valproic acid disease]
G Lorenzo Sanz1, C Serna Saugar, A Quintana Castilla
1Sección de Neuropediatría, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid.
Insights
Valproic acid exposure during pregnancy may cause severe birth defects. This case report highlights skeletal malformations and other congenital anomalies in an infant exposed to valproic acid, supporting its teratogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Teratology
- Developmental Biology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Valproic acid is a widely used antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing drug.
- Previous reports suggest potential dysmorphogenic and teratogenic effects of valproic acid in pregnant women.
Abstract:
The dysmorphogenic and teratogenic effects of valproic acid, when administered to pregnant women, have been noted in several reports. We report the case of a 3-month-old infant with multiple congenital anomalies, including severe skeletal malformations, congenital heart defect and facial dysmorphism, whose mother was treated with valproic acid (1000 mg/day) throughout the pregnancy. This is the second published case reporting major skeletal malformations and supports the possible teratogenic effects of valproic acid.