Antihistaminics and congenital limb-reduction defects

ABSTRACT

This paper included 6 cases examined in our Genetics Unit because of their limb malformations. We used a detailed structured questionaire to be sure that the mothers were healthy during the 40 weeks of gestation and have never been exposed to any drug except antihistamine especially in the first trimester. For the 6 patients; careful clinical examination, pedigree analysis, radiological examination, chromosomal study, and metabolic studies were done. The karyotypes and metabolic investigations were normal. Clinical and radiological studies showed a specific defect which is congenital limb- reduction deformity. This indicates a possible teratogenic effect of antihistamines. Thus we recommend to stop using antihistamines during pregnancy especially in the first trimester