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To the Editor: Dr Moses-Kolko and colleagues¹ reviewed the literature on neonatal signs after late in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We are concerned about a statement in their conclusions regarding the similarity of neonatal behavioral syndrome to infantile colic. The 2 syndromes should be easily distinguishable clinically. Neonatal behavioral syndrome has an earlier onset, ends earlier (usually by 2-3 weeks, the time that typical infantile colic begins), and, in most cases, does not show the same pattern of fussy behavior confined to a certain time of day.² Moreover, colicky infants generally do not exhibit the other signs associated with neonatal behavioral syndrome, such as neurological, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disturbances.¹

Infantile colic is not related to maternal behavior, depression, or SSRI use. Given the common occurrence of infantile colic (10%-20% of term infants)³ and the frequent use of SSRIs during pregnancy, there will be many infants who . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Bennett A. Kaye, MD
Department of Pediatrics

Judith Weinstein, MPH
jwein7@aol.com
Medical Ethics and Humanities Program
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Ill

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