Hydantoin Syndrome Research Articles

The fetal hydantoin syndrome

Five unrelated children born to epileptic women treated with hydantoin anticonvulsants were found to have a similar broad multi-system pattern of abnormalities, including craniofacial anomalies, nail and digital hypoplasia, prenatal-onset growth deficiency, and mental deficiency. This altered pattern of morphogenesis is distinct from other recognized disorders, including the trimethadione syndrome (see preceding article). It has been reported only in the offspring of women using hydantoins, thus justifying the term fetal hydantoin syndrome.

Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome: A Case Report

A term baby born to an epileptic mother who was treated with Phenytoin until 10weeks of pregnancy was born with multiple congenital anomalies and diagnosed to have Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome. Infants of mothers who have taken hydantoin during pregnancy have been found to have broad multisystem patterns of abnormalities, including mental retardation, craniofacial anomalies, nail and digital hypoplasia and prenatal onset of growth deficiency. The discussion aims to bring to attention the potential hazard of the use of hydantoin drug during reproductive age to all medical practitioners. Key words: Congenital anomalies, epilepsy, fetal hydantoin syndrome, phenytoin. DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2463 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society Vol.30(1) 2010 57-59