Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome: A Case Report

Needa Shrestha Shakya, Simmi Misra Gurubacharya, Dhana Raj Aryal
2009 Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society  
Discussion Phenytoin, formerly called diphenylhydantoin, was fi rst discovered in 1938 1 . It is an effective anti epileptic drug used in suppressing tonic-clonic and partial seizures in the adult age group. It is preferred to other anticonvulsant drugs due to its well defi ned therapeutic level in serum than other anticonvulsants, easier withdrawal, no addiction liability and no drug antagonism. Abstract A term baby born to an epileptic mother who was treated with Phenytoin until 10weeks of
more » ... gnancy 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.
doi:10.3126/jnps.v30i1.2463 fatcat:mj3b3ywen5em3hphqbk6qb3hha