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Warfarin embryonopathy
Author(s) -
Sinnott S. J.,
McDonald C.,
Traves D.,
Pritchard G.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2001.abs28-6.x
Subject(s) - medicine , warfarin , warfarin sodium , hypoplasia , pregnancy , gestation , complication , fetus , anticoagulant , obstetrics , surgery , biology , genetics , atrial fibrillation
Warfarin sodium readily crosses the placenta due to its low molecular weight and intrauterine exposure to this oral anticoagulant has multiple recognized complications. Complication outcomes seem to be dependent on the timing of exposure. Exposure during the first trimester between the 6 and 12 weeks of gestation is associated with warfarin embryonopathy: characterized by nasal hypoplasia, stippled epiphyses or vertebrae and digital hypoplasia. Warfarin embryonapathy has been identified in up to 25 fetuses with known exposure to warfarin sodium during the first trimester. Exposure during the second and third trimesters is thought to lead to a number of central nervous system abnormalities. The authors report a rare case with images of the prenatal ultrasound and postnatal X‐rays and clinical photos. A discussion of the pathogenesis and literature review is included.