BACKGROUND: Fetal exposure to maternal ingestion of warfarin is known to produce certain dysmorphic features in the neonate, known as fetal warfarin syndrome (FWS). There is a general consensus that maternal intake of warfarin at a daily dose of 5 mg or less is safe both for the infant and the mother. METHODS: We report four cases of FWS born to mothers with rheumatic heart disease on warfarin prophylaxis during pregnancy at a dose less than 5 mg/day. RESULTS: Along with typical facial features of FWS and multiple epiphyseal stippling in skeletal x-ray, Case 1 had Dandy-Walker malformation and Case 2 had laryngo-tracheomalacia and patent ductus arteriosus. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the need for optimizing the choice and dosage schedule of anticoagulants during pregnancy, least harmful for the mother and her developing fetus.
BACKGROUND: Fetal exposure to maternal ingestion of warfarin is known to produce certain dysmorphic features in the neonate, known as fetal warfarin syndrome (FWS). There is a general consensus that maternal intake of warfarin at a daily dose of 5 mg or less is safe both for the infant and the mother. METHODS: We report four cases of FWS born to mothers with rheumatic heart disease on warfarin prophylaxis during pregnancy at a dose less than 5 mg/day. RESULTS: Along with typical facial features of FWS and multiple epiphyseal stippling in skeletal x-ray, Case 1 had Dandy-Walker malformation and Case 2 had laryngo-tracheomalacia and patent ductus arteriosus. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the need for optimizing the choice and dosage schedule of anticoagulants during pregnancy, least harmful for the mother and her developing fetus.