Valproic Acid Prenatal Exposure

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant that has been associated with open neural tube defects. We report a family in which the maternal use of valproic acid, and other anticonvulsants, during pregnancy resulted in different malformations in two siblings, one of which had a lipomyelomeningocele. The association of valproic acid and closed neural tube defects has not previously been reported. A brief review of the teratogenic effects of valproic acid is included as well as the implications for early surgical management of lipomyelomeningocele.