Abstract

ABBAS, A  and  FIRDAUS, U. Fetal valproate syndrome in a 14-month-old child: A case report. S. Afr. j. child health [online]. 2013, vol.7, n.2, pp.74-76. ISSN 1999-7671.

Anti-epileptic drugs administered during pregnancy can cause structural defects in the growing fetus and result in adverse neuro-developmental outcome later in life. Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) results from teratogenic effects of valproic acid exposure in the prenatal period. It is characterised by a distinctive dysmorphic facies and a cluster of minor and major anomalies, as well as developmental and behavioural abnormalities. We describe a 14-month-old boy with the typical dysmorphic facies and other congenital abnormalities characteristic of FVS. There was a history of maternal intake of sodium valproate during pregnancy. The mechanism of teratogenicity and methods for prevention are discussed.

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