Jacob L. Kay

Extrapyramidal dysfunction in an infant of a schizophrenic mother

An infant born to a schizophrnic mother, under treatment with phenothiazinederivatives during pregnancy, presented with bizarre motor activity and neurologic findings compatible with a diagnosis of extrapyramidal disturbance. The abnormal findings gradually decreased over a 10 month period and subsequent development was satisfactory. A second infant born to the same mother showed tremors and hypertonus for a period of 6 months. During this pregnancy, phenothiazine therapy was continued but in markedly reduced dosage. It is postulated that the abnormal clinical behavior of both infants may be related to the medication taken by the mother during pregnancy and to a possible familial predisposition to drug-induced Parkinsonism.