Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T04:43:32.932Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Foetal Warfarin Syndrome—a complex airway problem

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. D. T. Mason*
Affiliation:
Nottingham
A. Jardine
Affiliation:
Nottingham
K. P. Gibbin
Affiliation:
Nottingham
*
J. D. T. Mason, F.R.C.S., Department of ENT, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Abstract

Premature cartilaginous calcification and nasal hypoplasia following first trimester exposure to warfarin are known as the Foetal Warfarin Syndrome (FWS). There are over 40 cases reported in the literature, many of which describe breathing and feeding difficulties in the first few months of life. We report a case where a child had had difficulties breathing and feeding in the first months of life. These had been attributed to nasal hypoplasia. After proper ENT assessment the child benefitted from adenoidectomy.

ENT surgeons should be aware of the syndrome as more women of child bearing age are taking warfarin following cardiac surgery and treatment of thromboembolic disease. ENT surgeons may be asked to review these children who often present with airway and feeding problems which have been attributed to nasal hypoplasia.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abbott, A., Sibert, J. R., Weaver, J. B. (1977) Chondrodysplasia punctata and maternal warfarin treatment. British Medical Journal, 1: 16391640.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Baillie, M., Allen, D. E., Elkington, A. R. (1980) The congenital warfarin syndrome. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 64: 633635.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Collins, P., Olufs, R., Karvitz, H., Babakitis, M. (1977) Relationship of maternal warfarin therapy in pregnancy to chondrodysplasia punctata: a report of a case American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 127: 444446.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Curtin, T.Mulhern, B. (1980) Foetal warfarin syndrome. Irish Medical Journal, 73: 393394.Google ScholarPubMed
Di Saia, P. J. (1966) Pregnancy and delivery of a patient with a Starr Edwards mitral valve prosthesis. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 28: 469.Google Scholar
Hall, J. G., Pauli, M. P., Wilson, K. M. (1980) Maternal and fetal sequalae of anticoagulation during pregnancy. The American Journal of Medicine, 68: 123140.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Harrod, M. J. E., Sherrod, P. S. (1980) Warfarin embryopathy in siblings. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 57: 673676.Google Scholar
Kerber, J., Warr, O. S. IIIRichardson, C. (1968) Pregnancy in a patient with a prosthetic mitral valve prosthesis; associated with a fetal abnormality attributed to warfarin sodium. Journal of American Medical Association, 203: 223.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lamontagne, J. M., Leclerc, J. E., Carier, C.Bureau, M. (1984) Warfarin embryopathy, a care report. Journal of Otolaryngology, 18: 127129.Google Scholar
Pauli, R. M., Madden, J. D., Kranzler, K. J., Culpepper, W., Port, R. (1976) Warfarin therapy initiated during pregnancy and phenotypic chondrodysplasia punctata. Journal of Pediatrics, 88: 506508.Google Scholar
Raivio, K. O., Ikonen, E., Saarikoski, S. (1976) Fetal risks due to warfarin therapy during pregnancy. Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia, 66: 735739.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Richman, M. E., Lahman, J. E. (1976) Fetal anomalies associated with warfarin therapy initiated shortly prior to conception. Journal of Pediatrics, 88: 509510.Google Scholar
Robinson, M. J., Pash, J., Grimwade, J., Campbell, J. (1978) Fetal warfarin syndrome. Medical Journal of Australia, 1(3): 157.Google ScholarPubMed
Shaul, W. L., Emery, H., Hall, J. G. (1975) Chondrodysplasia punctata and maternal warfarin use during pregnancy. American Journal of Diseases in Childhood, 129: 360362.Google ScholarPubMed
Stevenson, R. E., Burton, O. M., Ferlauto, G. J., Taylor, H. A. (1980) Hazards of anticoagulants during pregnancy. Journal of the American Medical Association, 243: 15491551.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Whitfield, M. F. (1980) Chondrodysplasia punctata after warfarin in early pregnancy. Case report and summary of literature. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 55: 139142.Google Scholar
Zakzouk, M. S. (1986) The congenital warfarin syndrome. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 100: 215219.Google Scholar