What is associated with Grey baby syndrome?

Grey baby syndrome is a serious condition that affects newborns, particularly those who are premature or underweight, and is most commonly associated with the use of chloramphenicol. This antibiotic can cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal circulation, particularly because newborns have an immature liver that cannot effectively metabolize the drug.

When chloramphenicol is administered during pregnancy or after birth, it can lead to cyanosis, a grayish discoloration of the skin, respiratory distress, and potential shock in the affected infant, hence the term “Grey baby syndrome.”

The other options, while useful antibiotics, do not share the same risk profile when it comes to this syndrome. Amoxicillin and penicillin are both in the penicillin family and are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and in newborns. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside that can have its own set of side effects, particularly related to kidney function and hearing, but it does not cause the specific symptoms associated with Grey baby syndrome. Thus, chloramphenicol is uniquely linked to this serious condition in newborns, making it the correct association.