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Neonatal Epilepsy Associated with Maternal Ingestion of Blue Cohosh
Author(s) -
MacPherson Ross D,
Kilminster Ian
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2006.tb00635.x
Subject(s) - medicine , epilepsy , black cohosh , pregnancy , status epilepticus , ingestion , breastfeeding , pediatrics , traditional medicine , psychiatry , menopause , biology , genetics
Aim To describe a case of neonatal epilepsy associated with maternal ingestion of blue cohosh. Clinical details A 32‐year‐old female consumed a mixture of blue cohosh, raspberry leaf and squaw vine for 4 days in late pregnancy to hasten the onset of labour. After delivery, the neonate showed signs consistent with status epilepticus which was confirmed by electroencephalogram and treated accordingly. Outcome The neonatal epilepsy settled with conventional treatment and there were no long‐term sequelae. Conclusion Evidence of adverse effects associated with complementary and alternative medicines continues to accumulate. Patients must be specifically questioned about their use of complementary and alternative medicines. This case report suggests a possible association between blue cohosh and neonatal epilepsy.