Valproic acid embryopathy: report of two siblings with further expansion of the phenotypic abnormalities and a review of the literature.

Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS) results from prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). It is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, a cluster of minor and major anomalies, and central nervous system dysfunction. In this study, two siblings who were exposed to monotherapy with VPA are described with documentation of long-term follow up. Both children had craniofacial findings, multiple systemic and orthopedic abnormalities, an overgrowth pattern, and developmental deficits. The literature from 1978-2000 is reviewed. A total of 69 cases that were solely exposed to VPA with adequate phenotypic description were identified. The clinical manifestations of FVS encompass a wide spectrum of abnormalities including consistent facial phenotype, multiple systemic and orthopedic involvement, central nervous system dysfunction, and altered physical growth. The facial appearance is characterized by a small broad nose, small ears, flat philtrum, a long upper lip with shallow philtrum, and micro/retrognathia. In this review, 62% of the patients had musculoskeletal abnormalities, 30% had minor skin defects, 26% had cardiovascular abnormalities, 22% had genital abnormalities, and 16% had pulmonary abnormalities. Less frequently encountered abnormalities included brain, eye, kidney, and hearing defects. Neural tube defects were seen in 3% of the sample. Twelve percent of affected children died in infancy and 29% of surviving patients had developmental deficits/mental retardation. Although 15% of patients had growth retardation, an overgrowth pattern was seen in 9%. The data from this comprehensive review especially the developmental outcome should be added to the teratogenic risk, that arises in association with the use of VPA during pregnancy. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.