Which medication is known to cause VACTREL syndrome?

VACTERL syndrome, which stands for Vertebral defects, Anal atresia, Cardiac defects, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Renal anomalies, and Limb abnormalities, has been associated with certain medications used during pregnancy. Statins, which are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol levels, have been implicated in this condition.

The rationale behind this association lies in the timing of exposure to statins during critical periods of fetal development. Statins can interfere with cholesterol synthesis, which is essential for cell membrane integrity and overall cellular function during embryogenesis. This disruption can lead to the observed developmental anomalies characteristic of VACTERL syndrome.

In contrast, while Vitamin D, ACE inhibitors, and antibiotics have their own risk profiles and contraindications during pregnancy, they are not specifically linked to the development of VACTERL syndrome in the same way that statins are. Therefore, understanding the teratogenic risks of statins provides crucial information for managing maternal health while minimizing risks to fetal development.