Limb deformity in a newborn. Is rifampicin just an innocent bystander?

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015;19(3):517-9.

Abstract

Objective: The first-line antituberculous agents for use during pregnancy have minimal teratogenic effects. The possibility of limb deformity during rifampin use, however, was reported by some researchers.

Case report: A male newborn was born with a hypoplastic right forearm to a mother with tuberculosis who used isoniazid and rifampicin in the first two months of her pregnancy.

Conclusions: The limb anomaly in our case might be attributed to rifampicin usage during the first 2 months of pregnancy. Caution should be given with regard to possible congenital malformations which could be associated with the treatment of pregnant women with antituberculous drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Rifampin / adverse effects*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital / chemically induced*
  • Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Rifampin