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Gray syndrome

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Chloramphenicol toxicity in newborns

Definition    Return to top

Gray syndrome is a dangerous condition that occurs in newborns (especially premature babies) who are given the drug chloramphenicol.

Causes    Return to top

Chloramphenicol is a drug used to fight bacterial infections, including meningitis. If given to a newborn, however, this drug can trigger a potentially deadly poisonous reaction.

Babies do not have the enzymes (special proteins in the body) needed to break down this drug. The drug builds up in the baby's bloodstream and can lead to:

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 9 days after treatment has been started. They include:

Treatment    Return to top

Overdoses can be treated with an exchange transfusion which involves removing portions (aliquots) of the baby's blood and replacing it with donated blood.

Prevention    Return to top

Chloramphenicol is generally not given to newborns or premature infants. It can be given safely at lower doses. However, with newer drugs available for bacterial infections, chloramphenicol use has decreased dramatically.

Chloramphenicol may be passed on to an infant through breast milk, and therefore may be unsafe for the mother to take during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Do not take this drug without seeking advice from your doctor if you are either pregnant or nursing.

Update Date: 11/12/2007

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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