[Ссылки доступны только зарегистрированным пользователям ]
11 April 2006
The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse outcomes, such as having low-birthweight babies and preterm birth, say researchers.
Shi Wu Wen (University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and colleagues suggest that, as SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain, these elevated levels may impact the central nervous system of the developing fetus.
"Given the possible fetal risk of prenatal SSRI exposure, the risks and benefits of SSRIs for women of reproductive age with severe depression should be considered," they say.
The researchers assessed the use of SSRIs in 972 pregnant women who had been give at least one SSRI prescription in the year before delivery and 3878 pregnant women who had not been prescribed SSRIs.
Infants born to mothers who had received SSRIs during pregnancy were 1.58 times more likely to have a low birthweight and 1.57 times more likely to be born preterm than those born to mothers who did not receive these drugs.
In addition, the risk of fetal death was increased 2.23-fold and the risk of seizures 3.87-fold in infants prenatally exposed to SSRIs, compared with those who were not exposed.
However, there was no evidence to suggest an association between prenatal SSRI use and birth defects or adverse maternal outcomes.
Given their findings, Wen et al say that a balanced approach to weighing the need to control maternal depression against the potential risk of fetal exposure should be addressed on an individual patient basis.
"Women whose condition requires treatment with SSRIs should be fully informed about the potential risk of these drugs; consultation with specialists who are experienced in treating depression may be needed," they add in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
"For those women who are exposed, increased fetal surveillance should be considered."
Source: Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006; 194: 961–966
|