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Meningoencephalocele associated with Tripterygium wilfordii treatment
A Takei1, G Nagashima, R Suzuki
1Department of Neurosurgery, Showa University, Fujigaoka Hospital, Japan.
Insights
Tripterygium wilfordii, a herbal remedy, may cause birth defects like meningoencephalocele in infants when taken during pregnancy. This case highlights the risks of herbal medicine use during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Teratology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Occipital meningoencephalocele is a severe congenital abnormality.
- Tripterygium wilfordii (T. wilfordii) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with known toxicity.
- The use of T. wilfordii during pregnancy is restricted due to potential teratogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of occipital meningoencephalocele and cerebellar agenesis.
- To investigate the potential association between maternal T. wilfordii use and congenital anomalies.
- To emphasize the risks of herbal medicine consumption during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a male infant with occipital meningoencephalocele.
- Review of maternal medical history, including herbal medicine intake.
- Clinical and diagnostic assessment of the infant's congenital anomalies.
Main Results:
- The infant presented with occipital meningoencephalocele and cerebellar agenesis.
- Maternal intake of T. wilfordii for rheumatoid arthritis occurred early in pregnancy.
- The timing and known toxicity of T. wilfordii suggest it as the likely etiological factor.
Conclusions:
- Maternal T. wilfordii consumption during early pregnancy is a potential cause of severe congenital anomalies.
- Healthcare providers should counsel pregnant patients on the risks associated with herbal remedies.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the teratogenic mechanisms of T. wilfordii.
Abstract:
We treated a male infant with occipital meningoencephalocele associated with the taking of Tripterygium wilfordii. The infant was delivered normally at 38 weeks of gestation with a huge cystic mass protruding from the occiput. He was diagnosed with occipital meningoencephalocele and cerebellar agenesis. His mother had taken T. wilfordii for rheumatoid arthritis early in her pregnancy. T. wilfordii is a herbal medicine used for rheumatoid arthritis and male contraception. Since its toxicity is high and its use during pregnancy is restricted, it is the most likely cause of this infant's anomalies.