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Angiotensin II receptor blocker induced fetopathy: 7 cases
C Hünseler1, A Paneitz, D Friedrich
1Neonatology, Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, Germany. christoph.huenseler@uni-koeln.de
Klinische Padiatrie
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Maternal sartan intake during pregnancy can cause severe newborn fetopathy, including kidney issues and developmental problems. Despite contraindications, the risks of sartan use in pregnancy appear underestimated, leading to potential fatal outcomes for infants.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Pharmacology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Sartans, used for hypertension, block angiotensin II at the AT1-receptor.
- Maternal sartan intake during pregnancy is associated with severe fetal malformations.
- Seven newborns with suspected sartan-induced fetopathy were treated across five German hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on cases of severe fetopathy potentially caused by maternal sartan use.
- To highlight the risks and outcomes associated with sartan exposure in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Case series compilation from multiple German teaching hospitals.
- Clinical data collection on maternal sartan intake and newborn outcomes.
- Review of presented cases from the yearly GNPI meeting 2010.
Main Results:
- All pregnancies involved oligohydramnios and hyperechogenic fetal kidneys on ultrasound.
- Newborns exhibited lung hypoplasia, hypotension, and renal insufficiency; 4/7 did not survive.
- Other observed issues included cranial ossification disturbances, limb paralysis, and sensorineural hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Maternal sartan intake poses significant risks, including potentially fatal outcomes for newborns.
- The hazardousness of sartan treatment during pregnancy is underestimated, despite contraindications.
- Further awareness and caution are needed regarding sartan use in pregnant patients.
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