Short Communication

Maternal Abetalipoproteinemia Resulting in Multiple Fetal Anomalies
Michael D. Seckeler^a, Jennifer Linden^b

Departments of
^aPediatrics, and
^bObstetrics and Gynecology, Commonwealth Health Center, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Address of Corresponding Author

Neonatology 2008;94:310-313 (DOI: 10.1159/000151653)

  Key Words

• Abetalipoproteinemia
• Fetal anomalies
• Vitamin A

  Abstract

Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare genetic condition that results in an inability of the body to absorb dietary fats, including fat-soluble vitamins. Deficiencies of these vitamins are known to cause a wide range of clinical effects ranging from blindness to coagulopathy and neuropathy. We present the case of a child with multisystem anomalies born to a mother with abetalipoproteinemia and provide a brief review of the literature about vitamin A and fetal development. Mothers at high risk for vitamin deficiencies should be screened and counseled on the potential benefits, and risks, of vitamin supplementation.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Michael Seckeler, MD
Commonwealth Health Center
1 Lower Navy Hill Road, PO Box 500409 CK
Saipan, MP 96950 (Northern Mariana Islands)
Tel. +1 670 234 8950, Fax +1 670 234 8930, E-Mail mseckeler@cnmidph.net

  Article Information

Received: January 7, 2008
Accepted after revision: February 26, 2008
Published online: September 11, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 12