PARALYTIC ILEUS IN A FETUS-NEONATE AFTER MATERNAL INTAKE OF BENZODIAZEPINE

Paralytic ileus of the small bowel was diagnosed in a fetus at 32 week s' gestation after referral because of polyhydramnios. The mother had taken clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, and carbamazepine during the entir e pregnancy for epilepsy. All known causes for the ileus were ruled ou t and at 20 months the boy has developed normally. We conclude that ma ternal anticonvulsant drug intake was very likely the cause of the par alytic ileus. This side-effect is known in experimental and clinical p harmacology but has not yet been described in human fetuses.