Fetal valproate syndrome and autism: additional evidence of an association

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2001 Mar;43(3):202-6.

Abstract

Autism has been described in association with a variety of medical and genetic conditions. We previously reported on a patient whose clinical phenotype was compatible with both fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) and autism. Here we present five additional patients with FVS and autism. In all five of our patients, there was evidence of cognitive deficits, manifestations of autism, and typical phenotypic characteristics of FVS. The association between this known teratogen and autism has both clinical and research implications.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / chemically induced
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Syndrome
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Valproic Acid