Möbius Syndrome in a Neonate After Elective Medical Abortion Failure

The teratogenic risk of exposure to mifepristone and misoprostol for the fetus remains to be fully quantified. Indeed, it has not yet been documented that mifepristone alone is related to a teratogenic process. In contrast, when abortion fails, misoprostol has been suspected of causing teratogenic effects, including terminal limb defects and Möbius syndrome. 

In the seventh week of pregnancy, a woman was administered mifepristone 600 mg and, 2 days later, misoprostol 400 μg for abortion. One month later, despite significant metrorrhagia, an ultrasound examination showed ongoing gestation. At 33 weeks and 3 days of gestation, the woman gave birth to a male with left facial palsy, microretrognathia, and axial hypotonia related to Möbius syndrome.The Annals of Pharmacotherapy

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that is present at birth. It primarily affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, leaving those with the condition unable to move their faces (they can’t smile, frown, suck, grimace or blink their eyes) and unable to move their eyes laterally. Moebius Syndrome Foundation