[Antiinfectious chemotherapy in pregnancy]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Antibiotic therapy during pregnancy primarily addresses maternal infections, not fetal ones.
• Pregnant women's altered physiology presents minimal pharmacokinetic challenges for antibiotics.
• The primary concern is potential fetal harm, contingent on developmental stage during drug exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate antibiotics safe for use during pregnancy from those to be avoided.
• To outline antibiotic administration guidelines based on gestational phase and potential fetal risk.
• To extend these considerations to antifungal and antitubercular medications used during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data and empirical evidence on antibiotic safety in pregnancy.
• Classification of antibiotics based on established safety profiles across different trimesters.
• Analysis of drug effects relative to fetal developmental stages.

Main Results:

• Identification of antibiotics deemed safe for administration throughout pregnancy.
• Categorization of antibiotics requiring complete avoidance during pregnancy.
• Distinction of antibiotics necessitating omission during specific pregnancy phases.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic selection during pregnancy hinges on balancing maternal infection treatment with fetal safety.
• A phased approach to antibiotic use, considering developmental stage, is crucial.
• Similar risk-benefit assessments are necessary for antifungal and antitubercular therapies in pregnant patients.