Gray syndrome

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

Chloramphenicol toxicity in newborns

Chloramphenicol is a drug used to fight bacterial infection, including meningitis. If given to a newborn, however, this drug can cause a poisonous reaction that can be fatal. This reaction is called Gray syndrome.

Young babies do not have the enzymes (special proteins in the body) needed to break down this drug. The drug accumulates in the baby's blood stream, causing hypotension (low blood pressure), cyanosis (blue coloring of lips, nail beds, and skin from lack of oxygen in the blood), and often death.

Review Date: 11/18/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.