Fetal trimethadione syndrome (also known as paramethadione syndrome, German syndrome, tridione syndrome, among othersAdditional names include trimethadione embryopathy and trimethadione syndrome.) is a set of birth defects caused by the administration of either of the anticonvulsants trimethadione (also known as Tridione) and paramethadione to epileptic mothers during pregnancy.Multiple Congenital Anomaly/Mental Retardation (MCA/MR) Syndromes - Retrieved January 2007
Fetal trimethadione syndrome is classified as a rare disease by the National Institute of Health's Office of Rare Diseases,Fetal trimethadione syndrome on the ORD website. Retrieved January 2007 meaning it affects less than 200,000 individuals in the United States.NIH's Office of Rare Diseases Retrieved January 2007
The fetal loss rate while using trimethadione has been reported to be as high as 87%.Teratology and Drug Use During Pregnancy Retrieved January 2007
Presentation Fetal trimethadione syndrome is characterized by the following major symptoms as a result of the teratogenic characteristics of trimethadione.The fetal trimethadione syndrome: report of an additional family and further delineation of this syndrome Retrieved January 2007 Cranial and facial abnormalities which include; microcephaly, midfacial flattening, V-shaped eyebrows and a short nose Cardiovascular abnormalities Absent kidney and ureter Meningocele, a birth defect of the spine Omphalocele, a birth defect where portions of the abdominal contents project into the umbilical cord A delay in mental and physical development
Diagnosis
Treatment Surgery may help alleviate the effects of some physical defects, but prognosis is poor, especially for those with severe cardiovascular and cognitive problems. Speech and physical therapy, as well as special education, is required for surviving children.
References
External links