A case of fetal valproate syndrome with new features expanding the phenotype

Authors

• Mohammed Z. Seidahmed, Departments of Pediatrics, Security Forces Hospital, PO Box 3643, Riyadh 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mobile. +966 503251339. Fax. +966 (1) 4754712. E-mail: zainsidahmed{at}hotmail.com
• Abeer M. Miqdad, Departments of Pediatrics, Security Forces Hospital, PO Box 3643, Riyadh 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mobile. +966 503251339. Fax. +966 (1) 4754712. E-mail: zainsidahmed{at}hotmail.com
• Hessa S. Al-Dohami, Departments of Pediatrics, Security Forces Hospital, PO Box 3643, Riyadh 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mobile. +966 503251339. Fax. +966 (1) 4754712. E-mail: zainsidahmed{at}hotmail.com
• Osama M. Shareefi, Departments of Pediatrics, Security Forces Hospital, PO Box 3643, Riyadh 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mobile. +966 503251339. Fax. +966 (1) 4754712. E-mail: zainsidahmed{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) is a well-recognized constellation of dysmorphic features, and neurodevelopmental retardation that results from prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant valproic acid. In this report, we describe a case with typical features of FVS. A 23-year-old lady with post-traumatic epilepsy controlled by sodium valproate (Depakene) 500 mg twice daily throughout pregnancy as monotherapy, gave birth to a female baby with facial features characteristic of FVS, and severe radial ray reduction. She also had wide-spaced nipples and short neck, features not described before. Sodium valproate, a widely used anticonvulsant and mood regulator, is a well-recognized teratogen that can result in severe limb deformities, craniosynostosis, neural tube defects and neurodevelopmental retardation. Therefore, we recommend that valproic acid must be avoided during pregnancy, as new generation of anticonvulsant drugs have emerged into the market.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

288

Last Page

291

Recommended Citation

Seidahmed, Mohammed Z.; Miqdad, Abeer M.; Al-Dohami, Hessa S.; and Shareefi, Osama M. (2009) "A case of fetal valproate syndrome with new features expanding the phenotype," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 30: Iss. 2, Article 21.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.4638