Myoclonic seizures in a preterm baby: is this a presentation of venlafaxine withdrawal?

Ansary, A., Ibhanesebhor, S.E. and Manjunatha, C. (2014) Myoclonic seizures in a preterm baby: is this a presentation of venlafaxine withdrawal? Singapore Medical Journal, 55(4), pp. 57-59. (doi: 10.11622/smedj.2014061) (PMID:24763844) (PMCID:PMC4291954)

Abstract

Venlafaxine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is increasingly used in pregnant women with pre-existing depression who require continued treatment. However, its in utero effects on the developing fetus are not clear. Herein, we report the unusual presentation of venlafaxine withdrawal in a female preterm baby of 29 weeks gestation, who presented with myoclonic seizures on her second day of life. The seizures were confirmed using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, and other possible causes of neonatal seizures were excluded. The baby responded to treatment with phenobarbitone and phenytoin. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain was unremarkable at corrected gestational age of 39 weeks and 2 days. On follow-up at the corrected age of five months, she was well and developing normally with no further seizures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of seizures in a preterm baby resulting from maternal venlafaxine use.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ansary, Dr Althaf
• Authors: Ansary, A., Ibhanesebhor, S.E., and Manjunatha, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Singapore Medical Journal
• Journal Abbr.: Singapore Med J.
• Publisher: Singapore Medical Association (SMA)
• ISSN: 0037-5675
• ISSN (Online): 2737-5935