Definition:
Fetal diethylstilbestrol syndrome is an extremely uncommon syndrome that occurs when a pregnant woman is exposed to a synthetic estrogen called diethylstilbestrol during her pregnancy. Diethylstilbestrol is used for the prevention of complications while pregnant, such as prematurity and miscarriage. Diethylstilbestrol ingestion during pregnancy may lead to cancerous birth defects in daughters of exposed mothers. The defect may not be obvious until the female child reaches maturity.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of Fetal diethylstilbestrol syndrome is based on physical examination, history and laboratory tests. The diagnosis is confirmed through further tests, such as ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram.
Treatment:
There has been no cure or standard treatment found for the disorder. Treatment is based on prevention and non-exposure to diethylstilbestrol-related intakes during pregnancy, particularly during its first trimester.
Symptoms and Signs:
Some of symptoms for the disorder can include vaginal adenosis, reproductive tract abnormality, malformed cervix, fallopian tube abnormality, infertility, uterine cavity anomaly, and vaginal septa.
Causes:
The syndrome is mainly caused by diethylstilbestrol exposure in pregnant women. Diethylstilbestrol was found to cause several birth defects in female children born to pregnant women who took the drug. Sons born to exposed women have slightly increased risks of having scrotum abnormalities and reduced sperm counts.
