Abstract
Valproic acid is a recently identified human teratogen now clearly associated with neural tube defects in offspring of exposed pregnant women. Other recent studies have suggested an increased risk for congenital heart disease and facial clefts. We report 13 infants with prenatal valproate exposure for maternal epilepsy. The facial features in this group of children suggest a characteristic appearance including midfacial hypoplasia, telecanthus, and broad, low, nasal bridge with short nose. Two of the children have neural tube defects, 3 have cardiac defects, and 1 a cleft lip. In addition, several show growth or developmental disturbances. Taken together, these observations suggest a broader pattern of abnormalities which may be attributable to valproic acid. These may range from mild effects to a more serious fetal valproate syndrome.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hanson, J., Ardinger, H., DiLiberti, J. et al. EFFECTS OF VALPROIC ACID ON THE FETUS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 306 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01276
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01276
This article is cited by
-
Patent ductus arteriosus in Fetal Valproate Syndrome
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics (2003)