Congenital malformations in four siblings of a mother taking anticonvulsant drugs.

Four siblings have various congenital malformations attributable to the teratogenic effect of anticonvulsant drugs. Their mother has 23-year history of continuous medication for seizures. Since the malformations noted in her four offspring are more extensive and severe in each subsequent child, the question arises as to the possible cumulative effect of antiepileptic drugs in producing congenital malformations. The observations in this family strongly support the need to carefully evaluate all offspring of mothers receiving anticonvulsant drugs.