Chloramphenicol gray baby syndrome with

The answer is c. (Hardman, pp 1134-1135.) Hematologic toxicity is by far the most important adverse effect of chloramphenicol The toxicity consists of two types (1) bone marrow depression (common) and (2) aplastic anemia (rare) Chloramphenicol can produce a potentially fatal toxic reaction, the gray baby syndrome, caused by diminished ability of neonates to conjugate chloramphenicol with resultant high serum concentrations. Tetracyclines produce staining of the teeth and phototoxicity... 

Chloramphenicol is not adequately detoxified and excreted by the fetus or the premature infant. Administration of this antibiotic to the mother shortly before parturition may produce gray coloration of the infant s skin with associated muscle hypotonia and circulatory collapse, known as the gray baby syndrome (9). (This side effect is more noted in premature infants.)... 

Although the gray baby syndrome was initially described in neonates, a similar syndrome has occurred with overdosage of chloramphenicol in older children and adults, especially those with hepatic dysfunction. The answer is (B). 

There is mounting evidence for a higher incidence of adverse reactions in children compared with adults. Frequently quoted is gray baby syndrome in newborns treated with chloramphenicol due to poor... 

Another related syndrome is called gray baby syndrome, and it occurs when the antibiotic chloramphenicol is administered intravenously to an infant or child with inadequate levels of the enzyme necessary for glucuronidation. 

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