fetal hydantoin syndrome

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Disease Overview

Fetal hydantoin syndrome is a drug-related embryofetopathy that can occur when an embryo/fetus is exposed to the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin, characterized by distinct craniofacial anomalies (hypertelorism and epicanthal folds, short nose and deep nasal bridge, malformed and low set ears, short neck) as well as hypoplastic distal phalanges and underdevelopment of nails of fingers and toes, prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, and neurological impairment (at a 2-3 times higher risk than that of the general population) including cognitive deficits and motor developmental delay. Less commonly, microcephaly, ocular defects, oral clefts, umbilical and inguinal hernias, hypospadias and cardiac anomalies have also been reported.


Synonyms

  • Dilantin embryopathy
  • FHS
  • fetal dihydantoin syndrome
  • foetal dihydantoin syndrome
  • phenytoin embryofetopathy
  • phenytoin embryopathy

GARD Disease Summary

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Orphanet

Orphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.

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