Ask Our Expert - More on Birth Defects Linked to Coumadin

July 20, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield More on Birth Defects Linked to Coumadin

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I was reading your reply regarding birth defects linked to coumadin. You mention "abnormal x-rays of the bones." Could you explain this further? What do "abnormal x-rays" include? — Catherine in Oklahoma City, OK

ANSWER	July 18, 2001


Dear Catherine, The abnormal x-rays sometimes seen after exposure to coumadin involve stippling or spotting of the ends of the long bones. While this is not known to actually signal a functional problem, it can be used as a marker of the condition and help assess the number of affected infants in research studies. As I said before, about 70 percent of infants exposed to warfarin are judged anatomically and developmentally normal, but this leaves a great number of children to potentially be affected. Since there are medications that can be safely substituted for coumadin, it is best for women on these medications to plan their pregnancies and be under the supervision of a physician before conception. I hope that this answers your question. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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