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Does treatment with bisphosphonates endanger the human pregnancy?
Nada Djokanovic1, Chagit Klieger-Grossmann1, Gideon Koren1
1The Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|January 30, 2009
Summary
Bisphosphonates are used for bone diseases, but their fetal safety is unclear. A review of 51 cases found no skeletal abnormalities or malformations in infants exposed to bisphosphonates during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Bisphosphonates treat bone diseases and are used by women of childbearing age.
- Concerns exist regarding potential fetal skeletal development issues due to bisphosphonate retention in bone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risks and safety of bisphosphonate use before or during pregnancy.
- To evaluate potential embryofetal effects of bisphosphonate exposure.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline and Embase databases (1950-2008).
- Inclusion of 51 reported cases of bisphosphonate exposure before or during pregnancy.
Main Results:
- No skeletal abnormalities or congenital malformations were observed in infants.
- Alendronate, pamidronate, etidronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid were the bisphosphonates involved.
Conclusions:
- Current data from 51 cases suggest no detected fetal pathology from bisphosphonate exposure.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand long-term effects on fetal bone modeling.
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