Communication Difficulties in a Young Child with Foetal Retinoid Syndrome: A Review

Abstract

Foetal Retinoid Syndrome (FRS) is an embryopathy caused by prenatal retinoid exposure, resulting in craniofacial abnormalities and neurological deficits. FRS carries a risk of hindering a child’s communication development. Scientific literature specifically addressing this aspect remains highly limited. This literature review aims to summarize the latest evidence regarding the impact of prenatal retinoid exposure on communication development and the importance of early detection and intervention. This literature review evaluates literature such as systematic review, meta-analyses, and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) from databases including PubMed, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The teratogenic effect of isotretinoin disrupts retinoic acids signaling and FOXP2 gene expression, which are essential for nervous system formation and auditory function. These deficits trigger communication development disorders in children with FRS, which include speech delay, receptive and expressive language barriers, pragmatic disorder, and difficulties in social interaction. Serial monitoring of hearing function accompanied by early multidisclipinary intervention and management are important to improve the child’s communication outcomes.