Antenatal carbimazole and choanal atresia: a new embryopathy

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Sep;132(9):1009-11. doi: 10.1001/archotol.132.9.1009.

Abstract

Carbimazole embryopathy is a recently recognized and defined phenotype. Choanal atresia; gastrointestinal anomalies, particularly esophageal atresia; athelia or hypothelia; developmental delay; hearing loss; aplasia cutis; and dysmorphic facial features all can occur after exposure to the antithyroid drugs carbimazole or methimazole during gestation. Although full expression of this phenotype appears to be an uncommon sequelae of antenatal carbimazole exposure, infants with less overt manifestations may remain with the condition undiagnosed. It is clearly important when an infant with choanal atresia is assessed to take an adequate drug history and consider this embryopathy as a potential causative factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / chemically induced
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbimazole / adverse effects*
  • Carbimazole / therapeutic use
  • Choanal Atresia / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Carbimazole