| Fetal valproate spectrum disorder | |
| Field: | Medical genetics, pediatrics |
| Synonyms: | Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS), fetal valproic acid syndrome, valproic acid embryopathy |
| Symptoms: | Neural tube defects, distinctive facial features, congenital heart defects, limb abnormalities, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder |
| Complications: | Intellectual disability, cognitive impairments, physical disabilities |
| Onset: | Prenatal |
| Duration: | Lifelong |
| Causes: | Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) |
| Diagnosis: | Based on clinical features, history of VPA exposure, diagnostic imaging, genetic counseling |
| Differential: | Other antiepileptic drug-related fetopathies, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder |
| Prevention: | Avoiding valproic acid during pregnancy, using alternative medications, folic acid supplementation |
| Treatment: | Multidisciplinary management including regular monitoring, early intervention therapies, surgical correction of anomalies, supportive therapies |
| Prognosis: | Variable; depends on severity and type of anomalies |
| Frequency: | Rare; exact prevalence unknown, fewer than 50,000 cases in the U.S. |
Fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD), previously known as fetal valproate syndrome (FVS), is a rare disease caused by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines. This exposure can lead to a range of neurodevelopmental and physical symptoms, including cognitive impairments, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and congenital malformations.[1] [2] [3]