What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Minoxidil Antenatal Exposure
• Minoxidil Antenatal Infection

What is Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

• Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome is a group of symptoms that may be found in a newborn when a mother has taken minoxidil (loniten) during pregnancy
• Minoxidil is a medication that can be used to treat hypertension (increased blood pressure) and alopecia (hair loss)
• A few cases of maternal use of minoxidil have been published in the medical literature with findings of neonatal (newborn) hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) that gradually resolves during the first six months of life
• Other symptoms have been reported, such as congenital heart defects, neurodevelopmental anomalies, and gastrointestinal, kidney, and limb malformations
• More studies are needed to determine the potential risks to the fetus during pregnancy

(Source: Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. The exact prevalence of this condition is not known
• The symptoms of this disorder may become apparent before or after birth
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

• Exposure of the developing fetus to the drug minoxidil (taken by the mother during pregnancy) is the only risk factor for Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome? (Etiology)

• Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome is caused by the exposure of a developing fetus to monixidil during pregnancy
• Minoxidil is medication that is prescribed for malignant renal hypertension. It is also used as a topical application for promoting hair growth

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome?

The signs and symptoms of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome may include very frequently present symptoms in 80-99% of the cases, such as:

• Clinodactyly of the 5th finger
• Cryptorchidism
• Depressed nasal bridge
• Generalized hirsutism
• Low-set, posteriorly rotated ears
• Micrognathia
• Umbilical hernia
• Ventricular septal defect

(Source: Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome Diagnosed?

Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough family and personal medical history evaluation, with emphasis on maternal use of minoxidil during pregnancy
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome?

The complications of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome may include:

• Low self-esteem due to one’s appearance
• Abnormal heart function due to structural defects in the heart, which may lead to a heart attack

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome Treated?

There is no cure for Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome, since it is congenital disorder. The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develops.

How can Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome be Prevented?

• Avoiding the use of the drug minoxidil during pregnancy can help prevent Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome (in the newborn child)
• Women under treatment for any medical condition and planning for a child are strongly recommended to consult their healthcare providers
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended during pregnancy.

What is the Prognosis of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/