Retinoic Acid Embryopathy

To the Editor: Here are several supplementary comments on the excellent report on retinoic acid embryopathy by Lammer et al. (Oct. 3 issue).* Since the time of that compilation of cases (July 1984), 20 additional cases of isotretinoin embryopathy have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration. Fifteen of these patients were born between May 1984 and August 1985, and five earlier cases have come to light since the compilation. With increasing awareness of teratogenicity, a higher proportion of cases of exposure are being reported before birth. Six of 20 cases were recognized antenatally; 5 of the 6 pregnancies…