Fetal hydantoin syndrome is caused by exposure to phenytoin during fetal development, resulting in physical abnormalities, developmental delays, and organ damage. Treatment is based on individual symptoms. Common physical deformities include cleft lip or palate, low-set ears, and small fingers. Gastrointestinal disorders such as pyloric stenosis or duodenal atresia may also be present and require surgery. Circulatory system problems include patent ductus arteriosus and aortic valve stenosis, which may require surgery. Other related medical problems include mental retardation, small nipples, hernias, and bleeding or clotting problems.
Fetal hydantoin syndrome is a rare medical condition in which a developing fetus is exposed to a seizure drug known as phenytoin. Symptoms often include physical abnormalities, developmental delays, and slowed growth patterns. In severe cases of fetal hydantoin syndrome, organ damage may be present, particularly involving the circulatory and digestive systems. While there are no standard treatment options for this condition, individual symptoms are treated as needed. Any questions or concerns about fetal hydantoin syndrome or management techniques that are appropriate for an individual situation should be discussed with a physician or other medical professional.
Some symptoms of fetal hydantoin syndrome may be visibly evident at birth. Physical deformities involving the face and skull are quite common and can take a wide variety of forms. Some of the most common physical deformities include a cleft lip or palate, low-set ears, or a large nose bridge. Some fingers may be exceptionally small, and nails may be small or completely absent. The hip joint is frequently dislocated in the infant born with fetal hydantoin syndrome.
A baby born with duodenal atresia often has a lower than normal birth weight and may have problems gaining weight even after birth. Feeding problems may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal disorders such as pyloric stenosis or duodenal atresia. Pyloric stenosis causes the opening that connects the stomach to the intestines to narrow and often causes persistent vomiting. Duodenal atresia is a condition in which a portion of the small intestine has not developed properly inside the uterus. Both of these conditions usually require surgery and the success rates are quite high.
Problems with the circulatory system in those with fetal hydantoin syndrome can include patent ductus arteriosus or aortic valve stenosis. The patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, causes problems with abnormal blood flow between two of the arteries in the heart. Medications are usually given to control the condition until the child is old enough and strong enough to safely undergo corrective surgery. Aortic valve stenosis causes the aortic valve to narrow, thereby restricting proper blood flow throughout the body. Surgery is almost always needed to correct this complication when it arises.
Additional medical problems that may be related to fetal hydantoin syndrome include mild mental retardation, small nipples, and hernias. In rare cases, tumors may be present in the baby born with this condition. Bleeding or clotting problems can develop shortly after birth and can prove fatal, especially if not diagnosed and treated right away.
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