PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Seidahmed, Mohammed Z.
AU  - Miqdad, Abeer M.
AU  - Al-Dohami, Hessa S.
AU  - Shareefi, Osama M.
TI  - A case of fetal valproate syndrome with new features expanding the phenotype
DP  - 2009 Feb 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 288--291
VI  - 30
IP  - 2
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/30/2/288.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/30/2/288.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2009 Feb 01; 30
AB  - 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.