Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant that has been associated with open neural tube defects. We report a family in which the maternal use of valproic acid, and other anticonvulsants, during pregnancy resulted in different malformations in two siblings, one of which had a lipomyelomeningocele. The association of valproic acid and closed neural tube defects has not previously been reported. A brief review of the teratogenic effects of valproic acid is included as well as the implications for early surgical management of lipomyelomeningocele.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Carter et al. (1989) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 3 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: