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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

In utero antidepressant exposure and neurodevelopment in preterm infants

Beau Batton1, Emily Batton, Kara Weigler

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, St. John's Children's Hospital, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9676, USA. bbatton@siumed.edu

American Journal of Perinatology
|August 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

In utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) did not negatively impact neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were comparable to controls, suggesting no increased risk beyond prematurity itself.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed during pregnancy.
  • The neurodevelopmental effects of in utero SSRI exposure in preterm infants remain a significant clinical concern.
  • Preterm infants face inherent risks for neurodevelopmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between prenatal SSRI exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
  • To compare neurodevelopmental assessments between preterm infants with and without in utero SSRI exposure.
  • To determine if SSRI exposure exacerbates neurodevelopmental risks in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-control study design.
  • Inclusion of preterm infants (≤36 6/7 weeks gestation) with documented in utero SSRI exposure.
  • Matching of cases and controls based on gestational age, birth year, birth weight, gender, and age at assessment.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment using the Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener and Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in Mental Developmental Index (MDI) scores between SSRI-exposed (94 ± 15) and control (91 ± 10) infants at 36 months (p = 0.46).
  • No significant differences in Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) scores between SSRI-exposed (79 ± 21) and control (75 ± 20) infants (p = 0.72).
  • Demographic data, birth weight, and in-hospital morbidity were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • In utero SSRI exposure was not linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in this cohort of preterm infants.
  • The observed neurodevelopmental profiles were consistent with the baseline risks associated with prematurity.
  • Larger prospective studies are recommended to confirm these findings and reduce the possibility of a Type II error.
Abstract

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