Long-term colchicine prophylaxis in familial Mediterranean fever.

Abnormal skeletal development has occurred in chick embryos exposed to this agent and transplacentally acquired tetracycline has produced appreciable inhibition of fetal growth in rats.3 Chromosomal aberrations and a reduction in the mitotic index have been found on adding tetracycline to human lymphocyte cultures4 and in premature infants transient inhibition of skeletal growth has been observed during the short-term administration of tetracycline.: It is several years since Carter and Wilson2 reported a case of bilateral congenital deformity of the hands (absence of ring and little fingers and allied metacarpals, with webbing of the index and middle fingers) in an infant whose mother had received tetracycline early in pregnancy but their cautionary advice against the prenatal use of tetracycline seems as pertinent as ever. Although no definite conclusions can be reached regarding the role of tetracycline in this case, the incomplete fibrous ankylosis and bone changes are of interest given the tendency for this agent to localise in developing skeletal tissues.3 Moreover, although arthrogryposis has been attributed to prolonged intrauterine pressure, possibly this disorder may originate early in embryonic life before such a factor can operate.5 Hence it is advisable that women who are trying to conceive or having unprotected intercourse should either not receive prolonged tetracycline treatment for acne, or should use contraception while taking it, and that the medication should be stopped as soon as possible in an unplanned pregnancy.'