Fetal drug syndromes. Issue 638 (December 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gordon, Neil
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 54:Issue 638(1978)
• Page Start: 796
• Page End: 798
• Publication Date: 1978-12
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.54.638.796
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Certain drugs which affect fetal development are considered. Phenytoin taken during pregnancy may result in infants who remain mentally and physically retarded, with abnormal craniofacial appearance and limb defects. A boy with such a syndrome is reported. Trimethadione is another drug which has been said to be teratogenic, and to cause a typical phenotype which is described. The fetal alcohol syndrome is now well recognized and has similar features to those related to anti-epileptic drugs taken during pregnancy. A high level of suspicion of possible associations between congenital defects and drugs must be maintained.